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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 




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PfiILXD6LPFlIX 

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Copyright, 1914, 
By GEORGE W. JACOBS & COMPANY 
Published September, 1914 



All rights reserved 
Printed in U. S. A. 



OCT \ v 1914 

©CI.A379784 



s 




CONTENTS 



CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. Finding the Way 11 

II. The King's Lodge 17 

III. Enemies by the Way 25 

IV. Christian Led Astray 45 

V. The King's Tower 61 

VI. Christian Tempted and Pursued 79 

VII. The City of Lust 101 

VIII. The Lighthouse of Refuge 125 

IX. The High Hill of Suffering 133 

X. The Cross and the Castle 147 

XL The Valley and the City 1 73 

XII. Emanuel's Land and the King's 

City 199 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

So Christian Counted Out the 



Gold Frontispiece v 

"I Will Draw My Sword and Be 



Ready" 


Page 35 v 


He Saw the Man Who Had Let 


57 - 


Down the Rope 


It Was Her Delight to Give 




Assistance 


97 u 


Struggling and Fighting, Chris- 




tian Neared the Wall 


44 119 ' 


Their Hearts Took Courage as 




They Ran 


44 1 67 v 


They Were Delighted With His 






44 209 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER I. 

FINDING THE WAY 




A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER I. 

FINDING THE WAY 




OW shall it be satisfied? How 
shall it be satisfied ?" he asked 
half aloud as he sat there, 
"this longing down deep in my 
soul? I have walked up and 
down in the Earth, and gone 



to and fro in it, but what I longed for I 
found not. Where shall I find it? I will 
arise once more, and seek it yet again many 
days; peradventure I shall succeed.' * And 
his eyes looked far away, for he was hungry 
at heart. 

So the man looked this way and that, 
as he sought day by day, and inquired of 
this one and that one. 

One day a stranger gave him a Book — 
even the Book of Truth — and said, "Herein 
you will find the way to Peace and Satis- 
faction." 

So he rejoiced; but the Book had pages 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



not a few, and in it were many words hard 
of interpretation. So he asked this one and 
that one to tell him the meaning of the 
Book's Message. 

Finally he met an aged man of kindly 
face, whose name was Church, who said, "I 
will help you with the words of the Book, 
and tell you of the Way you seek." So the 
kindly man showed the seeking one the 
meaning of the words as they walked 
together. 

"This Land seems strange and foreign 
to me now," said the seeking one to his 
aged companion. "Satisfaction I could not 
find in all the length and breadth of it, nor 
in the things it had to offer me. Indeed, I 
shall be glad when you have brought me to 
the Way you speak of, even though it be 
straitened and narrow, for now I am a 
Stranger and a Pilgrim, and shall be till 
complete satisfaction of heart is mine.** 

"There is a City God hath prepared for 
all those who are hungry at heart," said the 

14 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



old man. ** At the end of the Journey you 
will find it. Your Book of Truth will guide 
you in all the way that you go; and, indeed, 
you will not be mindful of this Country you 
are leaving, for in that Better Country, God 
is not ashamed of His People to be called 
their God, and He gives them satisfaction 
of heart through His Son, the King/' 

So the two men came to the Stone of 
Decision, and there the man — even Chris- 
tian—witnessed a Good Confession. He 
passed through the Stream of Baptism also, 
and continued along the Way the aged man 
had shown him, and lifted up his voice and 
blessed him as he listened to his words, and 
in process of time came to the Lodge of 
Spiritual Service, where began his real Pil- 
grimage. 



15 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER H. 

THE KING'S LODGE 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



THE -r LODCE 



CHAPTER II. 
THE KING'S LODGE 

|OT without many difficulties, 
| of which we cannot here tell, 
i did Christian reach the Nar- 
I row Gate of the King's Lodge 
of Spiritual Service. So he 
stood before the gate and 
knocked. Then the Reverend Good Pastor 
opened the gate, and welcomed him warmly. 

Once inside the Lodge, Christian was 
ashamed of the clothes he had on, for the 
record of his many days' sojourn in the land 
he had just left was written deeply upon 
them, and they were worn and polluted. 
Seeing Christian's expression, Reverend 
Good Pastor said to Faithful Layman, his 
assistant: 

"Bring hither the King's garments and 
put them on him, and the King's Armour 
for Knights of the Cross." 

So Christian rejoiced to be rid of his pol- 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



luted clothes, and gladly put on the Gar- 
ments of Consecration. But the looks of the 
Armour made him fearful, for he said with- 
in himself, "It is too heavy to travel in. It 
will hinder me in my journey/' Yet real- 
izing that the King knew best what Pilgrims 
needed for the Journey, and that he must 
trust and obey His will, Christian put down 
the questions in his mind and put on the 
Armour. "But how differently it feels from 
what I had thought it would," he said. "It 
is really light, and something about it seems 
to give me a new energy." 

Now both Reverend Good Pastor and 
Faithful Layman had helped Christian put 
on his Armour. There were the Helmet of 
Salvation, the Breastplate of Righteousness, 
and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the 
Word of God; his loins were girded about 
with Truth, and his feet shod with the prep- 
aration of the Gospel of Peace. Then the 
equipment was completed by a strange Lan- 
tern, and a strong satchel in which were the 

20 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Manna, or Bread of Heaven, the Living 
Water and the Oil of Prayer. The two men 
at the Lodge explained to Christian that the 
Manna, the Water and the Oil would never 
fail him, as they were like the widow's jar 
of meal and cruse of oil in the days of 
Elijah. 

"You must use them/* said Reverend 
Good Pastor, "for only in using them will 
you find safety and happiness in your Jour- 
ney. Eat always of the Heavenly Bread, 
even the Manna, and drink continually of 
the Living Water. Accept no other by the 
way, for they are your strength and life. 
Fill your Lantern with the Oil of Prayer, 
that light and guidance may be given you 
in the hour of necessity. Keep your Sword 
well oiled, that you may quickly grasp it 
from the scabbard to smite your enemies. 
Anoint your Shield, that thereby the fiery 
darts of the Wicked may be quenched and 
consumed. Keep to the Narrow Way. Fail 
not to do so, for timidity of heart and shak- 

21 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



ing of limbs befall those who leave it. Your 
equipment will give you really little power 
or defense if you leave the Narrow Way, 
and if by foes you are led astray, may the 
King show you mercy and forgiveness to 
restoration.'* 

Now the men at the Lodge taught 
Christian how to use his Book of Truth, 
that he might find in it directions and guid- 
ance for every part of the Journey; and how 
to wield his Sword and hold his Shield. 
They told him moreover of the Presence, 
who, though unseen, dwells within the 
hearts of the Knights of the Cross; who 
speaks not of Himself, but of the King; 
who reveals Truth; who is the Comforter, 
even the very Spirit of God; who makes the 
Book of Truth glow with living fire. And 
Christian listened to and rejoiced in all 
these good and wonderful things, and in his 
joy he wanted to do some service for the 
King. So the Reverend Good Pastor sent 
him to draw water out of the Wells of Sal- 

22 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



vation. Now Faithful Layman showed 
Christian the wells, and it was with joy that 
he drew water out of them. 

At the evening meal after the King's 
blessing was asked — for He is the Giver of 
all Good, and giveth us richly all things to 
enjoy — Christian first tasted of the Manna. 
Now it was sweet and pleasant to his taste, 
as wafers made with honey, and nothing he 
had ever eaten so satisfied his hunger, and 
no Water he had ever drunk so satisfied his 
thirst; yea, even the deep longing in his soul 
seemed to be satisfied as he ate and drank. 
So the men talked much at that meal, about 
the glory of the King, His Holy Habitation, 
the difficulty of reaching the Better Coun- 
try, the enemies by the way, and of those 
things that lure Pilgrims from their Way, 
and told how the King's Equipment meets 
every need and emergency. 

Now Christian rested that night as he 
had not rested in all the days of his life; and 
Peace settled down upon him and he rose 

23 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



up refreshened and eager for the Journey, 
And partaking of food and drink, he 
listened to kindly words, good wishes, 
exhortations and encouragements, and 
thanking the two servants of the King for 
all they had done for him, he rose up, his 
Armour shining in the morning light, and 
with joy began his real Pilgrimage. 



24 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER III. 

ENEMIES BY THE WAY 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



chariots of white cloud lazily took their 
way. The ground was studded with flow- 
ers of gem-like beauty, and little brooks, 
serpentine-like, gurgled their ways beside 
mossy banks. Christian never once thought 
of his Way as narrow amidst all this loveli- 
ness, and wondered why Sword and Shield 
were necessary in such a place. Presently, 
as he was passing along where the bushes 
were higher than his head, he heard the 
sound of voices, and in a moment he came 
face to face with a crowd of his Old Com- 
panions. 



"Ho! Ho!" said Light Heart, "from 



CHAPTER III. 



ENEMIES BY THE WAY 




HAT a glorious day it was! 
The trees seemed laden with 
precious odors. Openings 
through the wealth of sun- 
lit green showed the limpid 
blue of the sky over which 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



whence did you come, and whither are you 
going? Indeed, you desire to make an im- 
pression on the World, wearing a suit of 
Armour these days. Ha! Ha! Look at the 
Sword and Shield! How old-fashioned you 
are becoming all of a sudden!" 

These words stirred Christian's blood. 
"Who are you to make fun of me, I pray? 
you, who have never given a serious thought 
to anything in your life and are even now, 
because of thoughtlessness, drifting with 
this crowd to danger!" 

Then the crowd, who had been care- 
fully looking at Christian's Armour, burst 
into laughter, with the exception of Indif- 
ferent, who never changed his expression. 

"But you have not answered my ques- 
tions," cried Light Heart in high glee. 

"Well," said Christian, "I am happy to 
say I am journeying by this Narrow Way to 
the Better Country — even Emanuel's Land 
— where I can get satisfaction for the deep 
longing of my soul. I could not find that 

28 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



satisfaction in the Country where you have 
your Citizenship, for I walked up and down 
in it many days, and sought it one way and 
another, but could not find it. When I 
reach the City with Eternal Foundations, 
which is at the end of this Way, there I shall 
be satisfied with beholding the form of my 
King. He is the Eternal King, and rules 
over all the Nations of the Earth. I would 
you were all accompanying me on my Pil- 
grimage. " 

Good Intention seemed moved by 
Christian's words, and said, "I have been 
thinking for some time of making that Pil- 
grimage, but I hardly think I will begin it 
today. Some more convenient day, per- 
chance, I shall be moved to start." So he 
remained with the crowd. 

Indifferent paid no attention either to 
what Christian said or to the members of 
the crowd in which he stood. 

Then said Make Believe, "Is the King's 

29 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



City far from here? Do you think I could 
successfully make the Journey?" 

But Moralist broke in at that moment; 
"Oh, we are going to the City of Earthly 
Satisfaction. The Way is pleasant, broad 
and level, and for our Journey no heavy 
Armour is necessary." 

"But I warn you," cried Christian to 
Moralist, "that, although you may reach 
your City, it is at last to be destroyed, for 
so I read in my Book of Truth." 

"Away with your Book," cried Mate- 
rialist. "Our City to be destroyed? Im- 
possible! It is built of stone, steel and 
cement, and is proof against fire, floods, 
earthquakes and armies. Our stores of 
food and water are unlimited. Be de- 
stroyed? Never! But your City is a myth; 
your King dwells only in the recesses of 
your mind, and your foolish Journey will 
come to nought." 

"I know of the certainty of the things 
whereof I speak and have been assured," 

30 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



said Christian. "My King shall reign for- 
ever, and his City is Eternal; but your City 
abideth not forever. My own experience 
has proved that this Book is, indeed, the 
Book of Truth, and I believe what is written 
therein." 

Just then Materialist caught Christian 
by the shoulder to pull him along with the 
crowd, but alas! as soon as he touched 
Christian's Armour he fell backward to the 
ground, stunned, and after partly recover- 
ing, he remained silent, for he could not 
explain what had happened to him. 

Carefully Careless now spoke up. "Why 
do you not accompany your old friends? 
Can you not travel more safely with com- 
pany than alone? What if our City is not 
enduring, and shall at last be destroyed! 
Surely many will escape, and very likely 
we shall be among the fortunate. It will 
be much better for you just to take off your 
Armour and come with us, for I heard 
Doubtful say that if you did not, he was 

31 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



determined to ill-treat you. I think that 
your following that Narrow Path will dis- 
please our old friend Reason also, whom 
you will likely meet if you continue on your 
way." 

Christian, who knew that actions just 
then would speak louder than words, set his 
face steadfastly towards the King's City, 
and started again. 

Then Make Believe said, "I will go with 
you, my friend, for I know I shall be much 
benefited by your company." 

"But," protested Christian, "you must 
return to the King's Lodge, and enter the 
Straight Gate to the Narrow Way, and be- 
come properly equipped for the Journey." 

"Do not worry yourself about advising 
me," said Make Believe, "I will go with you 
just as I am." So he began following 
Christian, and the rest of the crowd went on 
their way. 

Now the Way before Christian was 
still beautiful and easy to travel on, and 

32 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



this was the only part of it that Make 
Believe saw. Christian, however, knew 
from his Book of Truth that one could not 
enter into the City of God without many 
trials and tribulations. So they continued 
together for some time, and except for their 
appearance, one might have thought they 
were going to the same place. 

Presently, ahead of them, they saw that 
the Way led to the foot of a high hill, and 
became stony and rough. The sight of the 
hill sickened Make Believe, and the stones 
began to hurt his feet. Then he bitterly 
complained, and after a time said, "You 
continue on your Way, friend Christian, if 
you choose, I see here to the side the Forest 
of Worldliness, which offers much that 
appeals to me, even coolness and ease and 
comfort. I will take to it. The mossy 
ground will be easy to walk on, the spread- 
ing trees will give shade, and I can drink 
from the springs of clear water. If I reach 
not any City, what does it matter?" So he 

33 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



disappeared into the Forest, and Christian 
never heard of him again. 

Just before the approach to the hill, 
Christian came to a wooden bridge over the 
Stream of Restlessness which flowed into 
the Forest. The bridge was covered with 
vines and flowers to keep out the heat of 
the sun, and finding a seat in it, Christian 
sat down to rest himself. Here he read for 
some time in the Book of Truth, partook of 
the Manna and Living Water, and feeling 
much refreshed, rose up, anointed his Shield 
and Sword, and got him on his Way. 

The hill, when once Christian was on it, 
was not nearly so steep as it had appeared, 
and the limbs of the trees of the Forest that 
had grown across his Way, Christian smote 
— trimming them right and left — and pass- 
ing through the midst of them, continued 
on his Journey. 

As Christian neared the top of the hill, 
he grew curious and fearful, for the trees 
gave place to great stones, and rocks with 

34 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



holes and caves; and not knowing what 
serpents or wild beasts might be sleeping in 
them, or what unseen enemies might be 
lurking therein, he feared greatly. As he 
saw the rocks growing larger and larger, 
and the dark holes becoming darker and 
more mysterious looking, and the two great 
rocky Walls of the Unknown, rising straight 
up at either side of the Narrow Way beyond 
him, his heart beat unevenly, and he had a 
great mind to return. But remembering his 
bold words to his Old Companions, and 
how he had said he was journeying to the 
Better Country, even Emanuel's Land, he 
conquered the fightings within and the fears 
without, and proceeded. He looked not to 
the right hand nor to the left, for, said he, "I 
will not inquire into things too wonderful 
and mysterious for me, nor stir up unneces- 
sary enemies in such a place. I will draw my 
Sword and prepare my Shield and be ready." 

But hardly had he said these words 
when a fiery dart lightened the gloom, strik- 

37 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



ing his Shield. Then a stream of darts flew 
thick and fast about him. Some striking 
his Shield were immediately consumed, and 
the others rattling against his Armour fell 
to the ground. Then Christian, by the light 
of the fiery darts, saw Doubtful hiding in 
the Cave of Inquisitiveness. "Thou enemy!'* 
he shouted, excited and fearful. 

Then Doubtful, seeing that his darts had 
no effect upon Christian's Shield or Armour, 
and that he carried a two-edged sword, 
slunk back into his Cave, — but not before 
Christian had struck him a mighty blow, 
wounding, but not killing him. So Chris- 
tian hastened his steps and got out of that 
place. 

At the top of the hill a beautiful view 
burst upon Christian, for he saw a lovely 
valley with smooth streams flowing through 
it, and beside the Narrow Way groves of 
trees. So anxious was he to get into this 
valley that he failed to take Food and Drink, 
or to anoint his Sword and Shield with Oil, 

38 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



or to read in his Book about the next part 
of the Journey. 

Once in the valley, all was pleasantness, 
and all his past difficulties fled from his 
mind. That there might be enemies here, 
never occurred to him. But soon Christian's 
former friend, Reason, with a glad smile, 
saluted him. 

"Why, my good friend Christian, how 
are you? I have come all this way to talk 
with you alone, as you travel on your Jour- 
ney, for we have many things in common. 
How have you fared thus far?" 

"I have fared well, and traveled with a 
glad heart," said Christian. "See my Equip- 
ment for the Journey! This Armour is the 
Armour of God. This is the Shield of 
Faith." 

"Ah, really," said Reason. 

"And this is the Sword of the Spirit." 

"You don't mean it! And the Lantern," — 
said Reason, "is it actually possible for it 
to give light?" And he smiled. 

39 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



"And here is my Book of Directions for 
the Way," continued Christian, unheeding 
interruption. 

"Oh, this!" said Reason. "I have read it 
often." And as they walked along Reason 
turned the pages as Christian held the Book. 

"Great Book for history, isn't it?" said 
Reason. "I mean except those queer places. 
Wonderful poetry. A high standard of 
teachings and morals, but" — and so he con- 
tinued without giving Christian a chance to 
speak. 

It was at that part of Reason's conversa- 
tion where he spoke of "queer places" that 
Christian, unknown to himself, began to 
get slightly off the Narrow Path. Indeed, 
he became so fascinated and interested by 
his former friend Reason's subtle words 
that he was soon off the path without know- 
ing it. Presently, his foot caught with a 
jerk, and he fell down over the bushes into 
a dark, stony place. 

He was not far astray, however, fortu- 

40 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



nately for him, and as he fell His Shield fell, 
just touching the Narrow Way, and caught 
there. What a hard case was his! The 
Armour now felt like tons of steel; the 
Breastplate of Righteousness rattled loosely. 
He tried to get his Sword to thrust his enemy 
through, but he could not pull it from the 
scabbard. Although it was rather dark in 
the place where he had fallen, his Lantern 
gave no light. 

Reason chuckled with glee, and reach- 
ing down for the Shield of Faith, said, "You 
will need this no longer." But as he started 
to wrench it from Christian's hand, he 
received a violent shock, which sent him 
staggering to the ground, and there he lay 
as one dead. 

As Christian lay beside the Path, his 
courage gone, the heavy Armour crushing 
him, his Breastplate nearly falling off, he 
remembered he had failed to use his Oil or 
read his Book or take Food and Drink after 
he had left Doubtful. His delight in the 

41 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



beautiful valley that he saw had made him 
forget all. Then with great difficulty he 
reached for his Oil. He poured it down 
the scabbard and pulled his Sword out and 
struck at Reason, but he was so weak that 
the blow did little good. Then he poured 
the Oil into the Lantern, and behold, it gave 
light! He then untangled his feet, partook 
of the Manna and Living Water, and 
anointed his Shield, which he discovered 
was still lying fastened to the Narrow Way. 
Then, remembering about his Equipment's 
being practically useless if he should get off 
the Narrow Way, unless he obtained mercy, 
it occurred to him to try pulling himself on 
again by his Shield. Every effort meant 
pain, but finally he succeeded, and took up 
his Way again. 

His experience with Reason was not 
soon to be forgotten, for he now realized 
that he should have known Reason sought 
to defeat the purpose of his Journey, and 
that he should have fought him as an 

42 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



enemy and not treated him as a friend. So 
he resolved to make better use of what the 
King had provided, for he saw that every 
part of the King's Equipment was neces- 
sary. 

Walking slowly because of his bruises, 
the sight of the Tower of the Sanctuary in 
the distance spurred him on, for he knew 
from his Book that there the Knights of the 
Cross were kindly treated, and that enemies 
could not there molest or make him afraid. 



43 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER IV. 

CHRISTIAN LED ASTRAY 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 




CHAPTER IV. 

CHRISTIAN LED ASTRAY 

^EZ3l3HE great high Tower of the 
Sanctuary, built of stone and 
covered with ivy, appealed 
strongly to Christian as he 
viewed it from afar, and being 
glad his way led to it, he 
rejoiced. There he would find rest and 
peace and be without fear of enemies. 
There he would enjoy the fellowship ac- 
corded to Knights of the Cross, and not feel 
conspicuous with Armour on, carrying 
Sword and Shield. There he would worship 
the King in the beauty of holiness, and 
become strengthened to go on his Way. 

Now the Way, at the place from which 
Christian saw the Tower, was called the 
Way of the Sabbath, although he had failed 
to realize it. So he trod along, but seeming 
not to make enough progress to please him, 
he became discouraged. Then his Armour 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



seemed heavy upon him, his Sword and 
Shield weighed down upon him, and he 
slackened his pace. 

Looking up just then, he saw a bright- 
faced lad, who, with sympathy in his voice, 
said, "My dear Sir, you look discouraged 
and tired and cast down. Take of me this 
Sunday Paper, I pray you. In it you will 
find something about yonder Tower, and 
other things of such interest that you will 
forget your difficulties and troubles." 

So Christian, thanking the lad, thought- 
lessly took the Paper. Passing hurriedly 
over the little part in it devoted to the King's 
Tower, he soon became so deeply absorbed 
in the other contents of it, in stories, articles, 
illustrations and funny pictures, that he 
forgot all about the Tower, his Journey and 
his King! Being thus absorbed, he walked 
slowly along and gradually got to the edge 
of his Way, where he unconsciously 
stopped. As he stood there he did not see 

48 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



the approach of one, Sabbath Desecration, a 
man apparently well to do. 

"How do you do, Christian Pilgrim?" 
said the man. 

Christian, slightly startled, but pleased 
with the man's bearing, replied, "How do 
you do, Sir? I was so much interested in 
this Paper that I did not see you till you 
spoke." 

"Your Journey has no doubt wearied 
you," said he, "for you look tired and worn. 
Come, Worthy Pilgrim, turn in with me, 
and get rested and refreshed before you go 
on your Way." 

"I am going to yonder Tower of the 
Sanctuary to worship my King," said 
Christian. 

"Good!" said Sabbath Desecration. 
"But why can you not worship the King in 
my Groves just as well? They were His 
first temples. Indeed, the King owns this 
Large Estate, and you will surely be pleas- 
ing Him by worshiping here." 

49 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



So Christian looked, and desired to 
enter, and leaving the Narrow Way, he fol- 
lowed Sabbath Desecration, who showed 
him all the wonders of the Large Estate, 
the lofty trees, the great fountains, and all 
the gardens of sweet-scented flowers. It 
was all wonderful! So wonderful that wor- 
shiping the King in that place came not 
into his mind. Even in the most impressive 
grove, it was the stately swaying trees, and 
not the worship of Him who giveth Life to 
all things, that filled Christian's mind. 

And seeing how with subtlety Christian 
could be led along, Sabbath Desecration 
after a time began showing him some of 
his Inventions and the Improvements he had 
made on the Estate. We cannot take time 
here to describe them, or Christian's pleas- 
ure and delight in them; but swiftly was he 
led along, and, following this man, unwit- 
tingly entered the Entangled Path, never 
dreaming of the dangers that might there 
befall him. 

50 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Through tunneled hedges, by gorgeous 
flower beds, over rustic bridges, did Chris- 
tian follow Sabbath Desecration on the En- 
tangled Path. But suddenly tripping on 
the Stone of Selfish Pleasure, he fell head- 
long into some flowering bushes. Had he 
not been holding in his hands Souvenirs of 
this man's Estate which had been given 
him, he might have saved himself, but now 
he lay there helpless. 

At first he was satisfied to lie there; 
being relaxed, he felt tired, and the soft 
bushes rested him. The odors were pleas- 
ant thereabouts, and the evening air cooled 
his heated brow. But hearing the voice of 
Sabbath Desecration at a little distance, 
Christian was startled, and awaked to his 
danger when he heard him chuckling and 
saying half -aloud, "Wasn't that a clever 
piece of work? Ha! Ha! His shadow will 
never darken the Tower door now! I had 
him to that stone before he knew it. I must 
hurry. Perchance before the day is done I 

51 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



may catch another." So Sabbath Desecra- 
tion hurried away, not knowing that Chris- 
tian had heard his words. 

Then Christian's wrath began to wax 
warm against the wily man, and trying to 
get up to pursue after him, he found he was 
weak and faint, and that the bushes under 
him were full of thorns as well as flowers. 
As he helplessly lay there, some disturbing 
Words of Truth began to echo and re-echo 
in his mind: "Woe unto them that are at 
ease in Zion! Woe unto them that are at 
ease in Zion!" Then was his Spirit greatly 
troubled. Anxiety replaced indifference; 
restlessness seized him; unhappiness over- 
whelmed him; darkness settled down upon 
him. Making a violent effort to get up, he 
succeeded only in fastening himself so much 
the more securely in the thorns. 

Then a voice from some hidden place 
seemed to mock him, "Where now is your 
Narrow Way, your Tower of the Sanctuary, 
your City with Eternal Foundations, and 

52 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



the King whom you said would give you 
satisfaction for the deep longing of your 
soul? What good will Book and Lantern, 
Armour, Sword and Shield do you now?" 

These words pained Christian, for he 
saw that he was in an evil case. 

Christian was about to despond when 
he heard the Bell of Influence of the King's 
Sanctuary, ringing sweetly and clearly 
through the corridors of the night; and the 
sound of it revived the flickering flame of 
Hope within him. And he said, "I have 
erred exceedingly against the King, and all 
those who have helped me on my Journey." 

And he heard, as it were, a voice saying 
to him, "Let us lay aside every weight, and 
the sin which doth so easily beset us," — and 
he cast the Souvenirs of the Estate into the 
darkness, and likewise the Paper which he 
still unconsciously held, — "and let us run 
with Patience the Race that is set before us, 
looking unto Jesus, the Author and Perf ector 
of our Faith, Who for the joy that was set 

53 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



before Him, endured the Cross, despising 
the shame, and hath sat down at the right 
hand of the Throne of God." Then were 
Christian's eyes enlightened, and he saw the 
Light of Hope shining from the Window of 
Mercy of the King's Tower. 

The King's Tower seemed to be on a 
high hill far away, but within him Hope 
kindled into Desire, and he took courage. 
He filled his Lantern as he lay there, and 
with its light saw how he might free him- 
self from the flowering thorny bush. With 
pain he pulled himself free, anointed his 
Shield and Sword with the Oil of Prayer, 
ate of the Manna and drank of the Living 
Water, and being strengthened read in his 
Book of Truth: "The Backslider in heart 
shall be filled with his own ways." 

And Christian said, "It is true. That 
verse means myself. Alas! for I have not 
been filled with the ways of my King. I 
have not fought the good fight nor kept the 
course; I have not endured hardness as a 

54 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



good soldier of my King. I have sinned! — 
but I have cast away the things that were in 
my hands. May it not be that I shall find 
Mercy and be restored again?" 

So he read again, by the light of the 
Lantern on his Book, out amidst the dark- 
ness of the night: 

"Seek ye Jehovah while He may be 
found; call ye upon Him while He is near; 
let the wicked forsake his way, and the 
unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him 
return unto Jehovah, and he will have 
Mercy upon him; and to our God, for He 
will abundantly pardon/' 

And Christian said, "I will arise and go, 
and will make confession of my thought- 
lessness, my error and my sin. Who would 
have thought that one with the good appear- 
ance of Sabbath Desecration would have 
led me here, and, having entrapped me, left 
me to die?" 

So Christian started, though his progress 
was slow; and the Light of Hope shined 

55 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



steadily in the Window of Mercy of the 
King's Tower. Moreover, he heard the 
Voice of Praise which cheered him on his 
way, and triumphantly he said, as he drew 
his Sword: 

"I can do all things in Him that strength- 
ened me. My Book of Truth says, 'Every 
valley shall be exalted, and every moun- 
tain and hill shall be made low, and the 
rough places a plain.' I shall, indeed, tri- 
umph in the strength of my King!" 

And Christian seemed to become imbued 
with a new spirit, for the times of refreshing 
had come from the presence of his King. 
Bravely did he fight his way toward the 
King's Tower, plunging through bushes full 
of briers, wading through strange marshy 
places, and cutting asunder the boughs of 
the trees that hindered him. His eyes looked 
right on and his eye-lids straight before him; 
for they were fastened on the unfailing Light 
of Hope. 

So he came at last to the walls of the 

56 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



King's Tower of the Sanctuary. Now the 
Window of Mercy was some distance above 
him, and as he was encouraging his heart 
with the words of his Book, — "Send thee 
help from the Sanctuary and strengthen 
thee out of Zion," — he saw a rope being let 
down, and fastening it about him, was drawn 
up into the Tower. 

Then Christian saw the man who had 
let down the rope — even Reverend Minister, 
— who with tears in his eyes embraced him 
and said, "It saddens me much that our ene- 
mies are able to beguile and lead astray the 
King's Pilgrims. They appear in sheep's 
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening 
wolves, seeking to destroy all those who 
journey to the King's City." 

And Christian answered, "Indeed, if it 
had not been for the Mercy of the King and 
the Light that I saw in the Tower of the 
Sanctuary, I might have perished in that 
Entangled Path." 

Happy and joyful of heart that he had 

59 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



reached the King's Tower, Christian abode 
there that night and found peace and sweet 
restfulness in the Sanctuary of his Merciful 
King. 



60 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER V. 

THE KING'S TOWER 




A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER V. 

THE KING'S TOWER 



mm 



ARLY in the morning Chris- 
tian arose, refreshed and 
eager again for the Journey. 
He went down from the room 
in the King's Tower of the 
Sanctuary, where he had slept 
during the night, to the impressive room op- 
posite the gate where the Pilgrims were re- 
ceived, and saw the Watch by the door, beau- 
tifully uniformed, standing guard. And 
Christian realized that "They also serve who 
only stand and wait." 

As he turned, Reverend Minister greeted 
him with kindly words and told him he 
would show him the King's Tower, which 
was shown to all Pilgrims. Reverend Min- 
ister said, moreover, "The King has prepared 
a Table in the top room, where all Pilgrims 
celebrate His Memorial, and partake of the 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Spiritual Feast which He has prepared.'* 
And Christian was eager. 

So Reverend Minister opened a heavy 
door, — for he had the key, — and they enter- 
ed the dark spiral stairway, and began 
climbing the stone steps. Christian held the 
hand of Reverend Minister and his Lantern 
gave them light for their feet. After they 
had been climbing for some time, they came 
to a long, narrow window, and they looked 
through it. 

"That looks familiar,' * said Christian. 
"Have I not seen that place before?" 

"Yes," said Reverend Minister, "that is 
the part of the Way called the Way of the 
Sabbath. It is level, as you see. On either 
side near the Tower are flower-covered 
walls, and it leads below us to the door of 
the King's Tower. At the place where the 
walls begin — and you can see it from here — 
you met the bright-faced lad who gave you 
a Sunday Paper, which you began reading. 
I saw you were getting to the edge of the 

64 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Way, but you were so absorbed that you did 
not see or hear me, so you turned in with 
Sabbath Desecration." 

Christian murmured half aloud as they 
went on, "If I had only known; if I had only 
thought of the end!" And then he was silent. 

It was not long till they came to another 
narrow window, still higher in the Tower. 
Looking far below them, they stood silent, 
for there Christian saw the Large Estate of 
Sabbath Desecration. "How different it 
looks from here!" he thought. "Now I see 
the traps, the snares, the deceitf ulness of the 
wicked Inventions of the man. Truly he 
was a wolf in sheep's clothing. How near I 
was to the great strong Tower of the King, 
and did not realize it!" And his heart smote 
him, and then he remembered that he had 
obtained Mercy and escaped. 

As Christian and Reverend Minister pro- 
ceeded up the stairway, Christian was glad 
to feel the strong arm of the kindly man 
helping him in the semi-gloom. And then 

65 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



they came to a sort of platform or room. 

Reverend Minister, filled with emotion, 
his eyes overflowing as he spoke, pointed to 
a window and said: 

"This, my friend, is the Window of 
Mercy. And when you heard the Bell of 
Influence, you saw the light that I held. I love 
to hold the Light of Hope and to feel that 
some one in the darkness may see it and 
come toward the Tower. One of my chiefest 
joys is to let down the rope and help up those 
who are able to reach the Tower wall." 

And Christian, his emotions choking 
him, only gripped tightly the arm of his 
friend. He looked his gratefulness. So they 
climbed on up the stone steps for quite some 
time, and neither spoke. 

At length Reverend Minister said: 
"Very soon we shall see through another 
window a view which it is my duty rather 
than my pleasure to show you; but every 
one who climbs this Tower must be shown 
it. To see it is to fear and hate everything 

66 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



it stands for." So Christian wondered. As 
they wound around the spiral stairway, the 
light which increased indicated another win- 
dow. 

Then Reverend Minister stopped and 
said, "Here is the window of which I spoke." 
And they looked out. Far away in the dis- 
tance — beyond a fog that hung on that side 
of the Tower, beyond the hills and valleys, 
surrounded by high hills— was a City, great 
and large. And behold, it was aflame! The 
tongues of flame that rose from out its great 
high buildings gave place to blackish smoke 
that changed to gray — murky, thick, suffo- 
cating. Christian's face grew pale. Rev- 
erend Minister stood silent. What a terrific 
scene! The great columns of terrible black- 
ness moving on feet of flame, rising from 
buildings and palaces of stone! Continual 
— unending — a city burning but not con- 
sumed! What a terrible blot on the face 
of the Universe! Christian trembled. 

"Is it the City of Destruction?" he whis- 

67 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



pered; "and is it already being destroyed?" 

"It is the City of This World's Boast- 
ing," said the kind, good man. "In it the 
Fire of Sin burns, and the Smoke of Wick- 
edness rises continually to blacken the 
heavens. It is the Babylon of This World. 
Indeed it is the City of Destruction — 
destroying and being destroyed till The Judg- 
ment. 99 

And Christian looked at the King's rep- 
resentative and said, "Alas! alas! my former 
friends will perish, for they were journey- 
ing by what appeared to be a broad, smooth 
way — to that very City. I warned them! 
I warned them, but they would not listen. 
They mocked at me and laughed, and tried 
to persuade me to go with them; but I would 
not. Oh, that they had come with me! Alas! 
alas!" 

"Who were your former friends?" 
asked Reverend Minister. And Christian 
answered: 

68 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



* Materialist, Moralist, Light Heart, In- 
different, Carefully Careless, Good Inten- 
tion, Doubtful, Reason, and Make Believe, 
who followed me for a time, but, seeing a 
hill difficult to climb, went aside into the 
Forest of Worldliness, and I never heard of 
him again." 

"I am not without knowledge of that 
crowd,*' said Reverend Minister. "Indeed, 
if you only knew how many they have hin- 
dered from taking this Journey, you would 
be amazed. They were traveling the Broad 
Way that leads to yonder City, undoubt- 
edly. And I sometimes ask myself if there 
are any limits to the bounds of the Broad 
Way, save only the space of the Narrow 
Way. Hundreds and thousands have trav- 
eled the Broad Way, and continue to travel 
it. It looks alluring and easy at first, but 
the way of the transgressor is hard, and the 
way of the wicked our King turns upside 
down. Those who persist in following that 
Way, never seem to learn that the city of 

69 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



their hope and pride is already being de- 
stroyed, and will eventually be JUDGED. 
Those who are not entirely absorbed in the 
things by the way see the flaming smoke 
above the hills, but their miscarrying vision 
takes it for sunset clouds — till they reach 
the summit of the hill. Then the truth 
strikes them like a serpent, and the magne- 
tism of the flame and the velocity of their 
evil minds plunges them into the City's Ruin 
and Death. How blind! How deceived 
they are! He who rules that City contin- 
ually seeks whom he may allure, kill and 
destroy, in whatever way, at whatever place, 
at whatever time he can. Absolute safety 
can be assured only to those who are equip- 
ped according to our King's will, and who 
travel in this Narrow Way, stopping only at 
those places He has provided for them.'* 

And Christian's spirit rejoiced in his 
trembling frame that he had escaped. Weak 
and pale, he sat down a while to rest and to 
think of what he had seen. Then he took 

70 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Reverend Minister's arm and they pro- 
ceeded to climb slowly, and not without 
great difficulty, until they came to a little 
window facing the east, where Christian 
looked out. "Do I not see the continuation 
of my Way beneath the fog?" he asked. 

"Yes," said Reverend Minister, "study 
closely the lay of the land, and the places 
your enemies are most likely to be." 

"I see the Narrow Way is high above 
the ground as it leaves the Tower," said 
Christian. "And on the ground I see mov- 
ing shapes, as of men, here and there — ene- 
mies of the King, I doubt not." 

"Yes, and that fog is the Fog of the 
Future, which makes us unable to learn all 
about our enemies or the things that are 
likely to befall Pilgrims on their Way," said 
Reverend Minister. "Be continually on the 
lookout, my brother! Do not count too 
much on the innocent appearance of those 
whom you may meet; try always to think 
where they will lead if you follow, and what 

71 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



end will be yours if you go after them. If 
you would have a successful Pilgrimage, be 
absorbed in your Journey, lose yourself in 
thoughts of the King and His City, keep 
your Shield of Faith anointed, your Sword 
ready, your Lantern filled with the Oil of 
Prayer, and search your Book of Truth dili- 
gently for the King's Directions." Then 
they climbed higher, Christian much cheered 
and strengthened by the good words. 

At last the top room under the Bell of 
Influence was reached, and Christian sank 
down in a seat by the King's Table, and saw 
the large opening or lookout toward the east. 
Fog veiled the view. Then he saw the 
King's Memorial Feast upon the table — the 
Broken Bread, and the Cup wherein was the 
Blood of the Vine. And the two men bowed 
their heads and worshiped; and the King 
seemed all glorious to them, for the Pres- 
ence filled their hearts. And the Reverend 
Minister prayed and said: 

"Thou King of the Ages, King of Kings 

72 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



and Lord of Lords, our High Priest Who 
ever livest to make intercession for us, Who 
wast tempted in all points like as we are, 
yet without sin, Who wast wounded for our 
transgressions and bruised for our iniquities, 
Who art the Lamb slain for sin from the 
foundation of the world, hear and accept thy 
servants and forgive their sins. Bless them 
in partaking of this Thy Memorial, giving 
them a new vision of Thyself, a new renun- 
ciation of Self, a greater desire to do Thy 
Commandments, and a love to Thee which 
shall begin by expressing itself in Good 
Works and Charity to their fellows. Bless 
now to our spiritual good that of which we 
shall partake, that we thereby may remem- 
ber Thy Death until Thou dost come.'* 

And Reverend Minister gave of the 
Bread to Christian, and then partook of it 
himself, saying as he did so, "The King 
saith, 'This is my body which is given for 
you; this do in remembrance of me.' " And 
they bowed the head and worshiped. And 

73 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



he passed the Cup, saying, "The King set 
us the example; and the King said, *This Cup 
is the New Covenant in My Blood; this do, 
as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of 
Me.' " And when they had both partaken 
of it, they bowed the head and worshiped. 
"For as often as ye eat this Bread, and drink 
the Cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till 
He come.'* 

The King seemed all real and glorious 
to Christian; a deep joy filled his being, and 
a heavenly peace settled down upon him, 
and, when he looked up, behold out of the 
opening toward the east he saw the King's 
City. He was thrilled and speechless for a 
time, and at last said, "I see the City." And 
they both saw it. 

It was the King's Eternal City, on the 
Hill of Zion, far beyond the fogs and above 
the clouds, opalescent against the limpid 
blue sapphire of the sky, surrounded by a 
wall of jeweled light, living in holiness, 
filled with mansions glorious— "For in my 

74 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Father's House are many Mansions." And 
the tears of joy in Christian's eyes blurred 
his vision, and he bowed his head and said, 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; 
Try me, and know my thoughts ; 
And see if there be any wicked way in me, 
And lead me in the way everlasting." 

Now clouds walled in the City glorious! 

The two men talked together of the 
Mansions of the King's City. And Reverend 
Minister said, "May it not be that the King 
builds the heavenly Mansions for Pilgrims 
out of the Suffering, the Obedience, the 
Loving Service, the Patient Waiting and the 
Fighting of His Enemies by the way?" 

And Christian said, "I know not, but I 
do know that He will render to every man 
according to his works, and that every deed 
that a man committeth, that shall he also 
receive of the King, whether it be good or 
bad." Then he said, "Is there not something 

75 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



I can do to honor and glorify my King, who 
has saved me from sin and given me the hope 
of glory? Since it was by the Bell of 
Influence I came to know where the Tower 
of the Sanctuary was, may I not ring it?" 

And Reverend Minister answered, "Yes, 
I know it would please the King." And as 
they hurried down the stairway he said, "Is 
it not blessed that all who feel the reality of 
the King in this place, and who see His Holy 
City yonder, desire to do something to 
glorify Him? Some built up the Tower, 
others builded the steps, one made the bell, 
another gave the rope; and so the King's 
Tower has come to be, and has grown in 
strength through the years; — a stronghold 
from the enemy, a refuge from the storm, 
and a place of rest by the way, where the 
vision may be had of the things beyond." 

"It is wonderful!" Christian said. And 
reaching the bottom of the steps, he began 
pulling the rope that rang the Bell of Influ- 
ence. 

76 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



He really put so much strength to it, that 
Reverend Minister said, "Beware that you 
do not use more than the fruit of your 
strength, for you will need much strength to 
continue your Journey." So Christian 
desisted, still joyful of heart, and after mak- 
ing further preparation for the Journey, he 
thanked the good man, who wished him 
God-speed, and they embraced each other, 
and Christian departed. 



77 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER VI. 

CHRISTIAN TEMPTED 
AND PURSUED 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER VI. 

CHRISTIAN TEMPTED AND PURSUED 




HE morning was beautiful. 
I Christian stepped out of the 
I Tower of the Sanctuary upon 
the Narrow Walled Way, and 
turning to his right, leaned 
over the Wall of Humility. 
Below him the wall of the Tower was 
bruised and chipped, and at its base lay a 
great pile of skeletons — bleached and dry. 

"Those are the bones of one-time 
enemies of this Tower,'* he said to himself. 
"Little did they know its strength and 
power, as from the outside they besieged it, 
or battered at its walls. So shall all the 
enemies of this Tower perish that wrestle 
against it to their own destruction.** 

Then he started again, stepping lightly 
along, singing and making melody in his 
heart unto the King, whose he was and 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



whom he served. He breathed the bracing 
air. The fields skipped before "his eyes. 
The hills moved off behind him. The green 
valleys sank down and were glorified by the 
morning light. 

Seeing beyond him to his right another 
way, built of stone, Christian hastened his 
steps toward it, and as he approached saw 
that it made a sharp curve and joined the 
Narrow Way, whose walls continued 
unbroken. When he came to the place 
where the ways joined, he saw a man of 
proud bearing approaching him, whose 
armour shone, and whose jeweled sword 
sparkled in the light. He appealed strongly 
to something in Christian's nature, saluting 
whom with much grace and dignity, he 
said: 

"Dear Sir, I see you have just come from 
the King's Tower." Now his words were 
smooth and his speech persuasive. 

And Christian answered, "Yes, Sir, I 

82 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



have"; and then exclaimed, "What a beau- 
tiful sword you have!" 

"Yes, yes," said the man. "I carry it 
because I am the Lord of yonder city on the 
hill. There is not another that carries such 
a sword as this." 

"May I ask your name?" said Christian, 
wondering. 

"I am Lord Pride," said the man, his 
hand on his sword and his head held back, 
"and my fair and wonderful city is the City 
of Pride." 

Then there began a battle in the heart 
of Christian, for he knew that Lord Pride 
was an enemy of the King, and that his City 
was a rebellious city. But he failed to fight 
the man, and unconsciously his eyes soon 
rested on the City of Pride. Then Lord 
Pride began with subtle and glowing words 
to catch the mind of Christian. 

"It is one of the oldest cities in all this 
region," he said, "and although it has fallen 
many times, it has always risen up again, 

83 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



stronger and more glorious than ever. See 
the great wide walls, and the boulevard on 
the top of them, and the towers, bulwarks, 
and buttresses! In our City are all comforts 
and luxuries. No people live so much at 
ease as do our people. The Lands we con- 
trol yield abundant increase. Lift up your 
eyes, and see the wonder of it all for your- 
self!" 

Now Christian, realizing that he was a 
Knight of the Cross, thought at this time to 
rebuke Lord Pride by telling him Words of 
Truth about himself and his City. But the 
man had so cast a spell over him, that when 
he spoke, the words had no sound. 

"Behold the marble palaces and the 
unique gardens!" continued Lord Pride. 
"You can see the cascades and fountains 
even from here. It is indeed a majestic City. 
It frowns proudly on all the surrounding 
regions. It is the Glory of the Nations, and 
it shall abide forever." 

"But," said Christian, struggling within 

84 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



himself for the mastery, — but the word was 
lost. 

And Lord Pride, smothering by his 
enthusiasm the struggling best in Christian, 
smoothly continued, "You will find behind 
our mighty walls and in our splendid 
palaces the Rich of the Earth. Giants of 
Intellect and Accomplishment dwell there, 
and many Leaders in Coveted Callings. 
Every one in our City follows after the light 
of his own eyes and after the desires of his 
heart, every one does that which is right in 
his own eyes. And seeing you are of a 
religious turn of mind, judging by your 
having come from that despised Tower 
yonder, you will be interested to know that 
in our City every one worships that which 
he pleases." 

Now Christian began to realize he was 
in danger in the company of the haughty 
Lord, whose reference to the King's Tower 
he hated, but he knew not how to loose him- 
self from the spell that was over him. Con- 

85 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



tinuing, the Lord with the jeweled sword 
said, "Many of my people prefer to worship 
Idols, of which we have great numbers. 
Many worship the God of Gold; others, the 
Goddess of Beauty; and some, the Goddess 
of Fashion. There is an idol to suit every 
man's inclination. For those who do not 
care for idols, we have religions, many and 
varied. Indeed, in our City abide many 
Prophets and Teachers. Our Beliefs and 
Creeds are more varied, broader, more 
original than that One to which you unfor- 
tunately adhere. We adapt ourselves to 
every strange tendency of the human mind; 
and," lowering his voice, "many who have 
started in this Narrow Way have chosen to 
change after I talked with them." 

"But I will not," said Christian, gaining 
courage. 

"Oh, yes," said Lord Pride persuasive- 
ly. "Come, I will help you over this annoy- 
ing Wall of Humility, and if you can tell me 
about the inside of that Tower, I will pro- 

86 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



mote you to great honor and give you a 
place of power. My Armies are organized 
and awaiting my command to move, and 
they will bring the walls of that Tower 
level with the ground. My two sons com- 
mand the largest divisions of the Army, — 
Intellectual Pride is one, and Spiritual 
Pride is the other. Unbeliever, False 
Prophet, and Strange Tendency are among 
my mighty Captains. The last named two 
have power to do things curious and 
strange. Idolatry has many in his company, 
and likewise False Judgment, also. Seeing 
many things are against you in this Way 
that you go, and that with us will be certain 
victory, — come with me, my good man, and 
help me lead my Armies to battle and to 
victory, and live with me in ease in my 
Glorious City, where you will be an honored 
Citizen." 

As Lord Pride waited for Christian to 
yield, Christian saw that the stones were 
worn smooth where former Pilgrims had 

87 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



been helped over the Wall. And as he 
looked a little beyond he saw the forlorn 
Huts of the Poor in vivid contrast to the City 
of Pride. That sight fanned to flame the 
coals that Lord Pride had tried so hard to 
extinguish, and he said: 

"I care not how attractive you appear, 
or how smoothly you speak, I am a Knight 
of the Cross, — a Subject of the King of 
Kings, who will surely destroy both you 
and your City. Yonder Tower shall look 
upon its desolate ruins and its enemies shall 
perish all. I have seen the King's City from 
His Tower. It has Eternal Foundations and 
abideth forever, and thither am I journey- 
ing. Farewell!" 

Gently drawing his sword from its scab- 
bard Lord Pride said, "You have seen a 
mirage, as have all those who have gone 
before you." And he quickly struck at 
Christian, but his sword crashed only against 
Christian's Shield, and sank into the Wall 
of Humility. And ere Christian could strike 

88 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



him, he was gone, — full of wrath, cursing 
as he went. 

As Christian walked along, the subtle 
words of Lord Pride filled his mind so that 
he forgot to read his Book of Truth to learn 
about his Way. After he had walked along 
for some time, having noticed scarcely any- 
thing, he turned and let his eyes rest again 
upon the City of Pride — when suddenly, 
without warning, an earthquake hurled him 
down against the wall into the Narrow Way. 
Half unconscious, he heard loud rumblings, 
crashings and explosions, but knew not what 
they meant. 

The City of Pride had fallen just as the 
proud Lord entered its gate. The earthquake 
rent asunder the hill upon which it was 
builded. The great walls came crashing 
down. Palaces, gardens, fountains, — all 
were ruined. People perished. The Armies 
were destroyed! Destruction reigned 
supreme! Steam and fire and water vied 
with one another to make utter the desola- 

89 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



tion. The Poor in their miserable hovels 
saw, and the light was reflected upon their 
gaunt and hungry faces. Awe filled them 
as they looked and wondered at the sight. 
Their Oppressors were no more. 

As Christian arose, still half stunned by 
the shock that had felled him, he sat down 
on a big stone on the Wall of Humility. 
Turning slowly to look in the direction from 
which the sounds had come, his heart almost 
stopped as he saw the ruins of the City. But 
a moment before it had appeared proud, 
magnificent, glorious! The City of Pride 
had fallen, — the Book of Truth was right. 
And it occurred to him that he might have 
escaped the shock had he fought Lord Pride 
at once, and got him on his Way. 

As Christian arose from the Wall, the 
stone on which he sat, having been loosened 
by the earthquake, fell to the ground. 
Now the Narrow Way at that place was 
above the level of the surrounding country. 
When the stone fell it attracted the attention 

90 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



of three angry dogs, who rushed up and, 
leaping over the Wall, attacked Christian. 

Filled with terror at the sight of them, he 
pulled his sword with difficulty — for he had 
not used the Oil of Prayer for some time, — 
that he might try to defend himself. The 
black shaggy dog, Fiery Temper, leaped up 
on his breast; Petty Sins, smooth haired and 
spotted, bit at his heels; and Wicked Mouth, 
the bull-dog, gripped his strong satchel like 
a vice. So Christian battled, and the dogs, 
barking and biting, pursued him. 

Now and then he turned on them as he 
fled, and one time saw a little girl leaning 
over the Wall of Honesty to his left. She 
was pretty, nicely dressed, and seemed to be 
holding something in her hand, which Chris- 
tian, still hotly pursued, could not see. Still 
fleeing, he could not get away from the dogs, 
and turning a second time, thrusting his 
Sword at them, he saw an old Palace behind 
some beautiful trees, and at the back what 
looked to be a Pilgrim, with no Sword, 

91 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Shield, Lantern or Satchel, his Armour loose 
and falling from him. Christian saw that 
he was about to jump into a deep well at the 
back of the Palace. So he turned again and 
fled from the dogs, with no time to wonder 
or to question, and became almost desperate 
from their relentless attacks. 

Just as Christian thought he could hold 
out against the dogs no longer, he saw ahead 
of him what had once been the Gate of an 
Ancient City. It was built of stone, and in 
and between the towers were little narrow 
windows with iron bars. He saw that some- 
body lived there, and that above it floated 
the flag of the Knights of the Cross. This 
sight cheered his heart, so he made for the 
Tower. Now Three Fold Helper was above 
on the Lookout of the Gate, and seeing 
Christian was in a strait, he called to him: 

"Courage! Christian Pilgrim! I will 
speedily get me down and come to help you." 
Now Three Fold Helper was fully armed just 

92 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



as Christian, with Armour, Shield and 
Sword. 

So Christian strengthened his heart, and 
Three Fold Helper hurried to his aid. And 
he managed to beat off the dogs till Chris- 
tian came under the arch of the Gate. Now 
the Gate within the arch was shut, but Three 
Fold Helper showed him a narrow straight 
stairway and bade him quickly climb it. 
Christian, weak and exhausted, stumbled 
and fell on the steps, and Organized Young 
People, the sister of Three Fold Helper, went 
down herself and helped him up, and showed 
him a small room where he might wash 
and rest himself after such a strenuous 
experience. 

After Christian had washed and was 
resting himself, he fell to thinking of his hard 
experiences. Moreover he had great search- 
ings of heart in that room; and many were 
the resolutions that he made. And he 
thought, as he lay there, of the words of the 
Book of Truth: "In returning and rest shall 

93 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



ye be saved; in quietness and confidence 
shall be your strength." 

So Christian arose after a time. Having 
met Woman's Work, who lived with the 
two young people who had saved and helped 
him, he listened, while they prepared the 
meal, to the tales she told him of the old Gate 
wherein they dwelt, now called the Gate of 
Helpfulness, and of the ancient City of 
Heathen Practices which once flourished in 
that place in centuries gone by. She told 
him, moreover, how a modern city was 
springing up about the Gate; — now the dogs 
were crying and barking so much from their 
wounds that they interrupted her, — and how 
they served the King by many ministrations 
there, and encouraged and helped Pilgrims 
on their way. 

Then they sat down together to eat, with 
thankful hearts, of the King's Provision. 
And Christian asked as they sat thus about 
the table: 

"Can you tell me about the old Palace I 

94 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



saw behind the trees while the dogs pursued 
me? I saw one who had the appearance of 
a Pilgrim about to jump into a well at the 
back of it. And on the Wall of Honesty 
nearby a pretty little girl appeared, holding 
something in her hand." 

Then said the young woman, smiling as 
she looked to her brother, — "That innocent 
looking little girl was Just As Good." 

"Yes," said Three Fold Helper, "sherhad 
food and drink in her hand. It looks much 
like that which the King provides. Her 
mother sends her to deceive and allure Pil- 
grims to that old Palace by her apparent 
innocence and sweetness." 

"I know of the mother of the little girl," 
said Woman's Work. "Her name before she 
was married was Subtle -Deception, which 
name fitted her well, and will give you some 
idea of her personality. The little one looks 
nothing like her, they say, but has her 
characteristics. 

Then said Three Fold Helper, "Little 

95 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Just As Good has two brothers whom you 
may not have seen — Make It Up, and Double 
Life. Double Life has the reputation in this 
town of being respectable; but he has not 
deceived us as much as he thinks. He would 
be surprised if he knew how many are 
acquainted with his real character." 

"What is the father's name?" asked 
Christian, greatly interested. 

"Hypocrisy!" said all in unison. 

"Oh! now I understand," said Christian, 
"the different steps by which Pilgrims are 
led from the Way. Now I know why that 
Pilgrim was about to jump into the well. He 
had been deceived and disgraced." 

"True!" said they all. 

"You may meet some of the other mem- 
bers of that family farther along your Way," 
said Woman's Work. 

Then Christian saw that Organized 
Young People had cleaned and anointed his 
Shield and Sword for him. Moreover she 

96 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



read from the Book of Truth some of the 
King's Directions for the remaining part of 
his Journey, for she had made a study of the 
Narrow Way, and it was her delight to give 
assistance to all Pilgrims whom she met. 
Then Christian thanked her heartily. 

As he was about to go, Woman's Work 
gave him a word of kindly advice. — "Beware 
of the Liquid that unmans your manhood, 
eats away your character, and destroys your 
soul," said she. And Christian thanked her, 
and remembered these words, pondering 
them in his heart. 

Then said Three Fold Helper, as they 
stood at the head of the stone steps, "I am to 
accompany you on your Journey till you 
have crossed over the City of Lust and gotten 
safely to the Lighthouse of Refuge, for my 
chief service to the King is in thus helping 
and protecting Pilgrims." 

"Good!" said Christian, greatly pleased. 
"I shall feel much safer with one of the 
King's Armoured Servants, for indeed I 

99 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



have had many trying experiences thus far, 
and I know that many dangers yet await 
me. Then he said good-bye to the two 
women who wished him God-speed and 
heavenly blessings, and went down the steps 
with Three Fold Helper. 

So the two men went down the steps on 
the side of the Gate that faced the King's 
City. And looking back, after they had gone 
a little way, they saw Woman's Work and 
Organized Young People waving to them, so 
they saluted with their shining Swords, and 
got them on their Way. 



100 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE CITY OF LUST 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE CITY OF LUST 




O CHRISTIAN and Three Fold 
Helper journeyed toward the 
City of Lust. Now Christian 
was much benefited by being 
in the company of this worthy 
servant of the King, who con- 



versed with him about noble things, taught 
him precious truths out of his Book, and was 
a blessing to him in soul, mind and body. At 
length Christian said to Three Fold Helper: 

"I would I knew something of the City 
of Lust to which we are journeying. Did I 
not hear you say we were to cross over it? 
I know people usually pass through a city; 
I have been wondering what you meant." 

"Yes! we are to pass over the city," said 
Three Fold Helper, "on the Bridge of 



"Tell me about the bridge, and why it is 
necessary," said Christian. 



Escape. 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



4 'Well, you see the city is builded 
between and on the sides of two hills," said 
his companion. **And because Impurity, 
the Magical Queen, rules over it, it is exceed- 
ingly wicked! And in old times when Pil- 
grims had to pass through it, they had great 
difficulty, for many things were against 
them. Some knew not how wicked the city 
really was. Those who, like Joseph, would 
not bow to the Magical Queen, were bitterly 
persecuted; and those who, like David, fell 
down before her, would never have arrived 
at the King's City at all, had He not shown 
them Mercy! — and even then the pleasure 
of the remaining part of their Journey was 
marred because they could not get rid of 
two annoying men — Regret and Punishment 
— who followed them. Sampson bowed to 
Queen Impurity. Alas! alas! That man of 
might became weak like other men, and 
having his eyes put out did grind in the 
Prison House. Many have followed in his 
train. So it came to pass in process of time 

104 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



that Pilgrims, seeing the necessity for a 
bridge across the city, began to build. They 
suffered much loss, however, for the Citi- 
zens favored not a bridge across their city 
for the good of Pilgrims." 

"I am so glad there is such a bridge," 
said Christian, who had remained almost 
breathless while he heard the story of it. 

When the two men had gone some dis- 
tance, Christian saw beyond him what 
looked like beautiful gardens, and groves 
with dark, mysterious places in them. Then 
he discovered paths leading into the dark 
groves. 

Seeing Christian's eyes fixed on the 
groves and paths, Three Fold Helper took 
hold of him by the arm and said, "Beware! 
my friend! Remember the name of the 
treacherous city we are about to enter. The 
steps of the one who owns those groves and 
gardens take hold on Sheol." 

Christian was amazed! not being able to 

105 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



understand how what was told him could be 
possible. 

As the two men walked together, — it 
now being twilight, — Christian was sud- 
denly surprised to see a beautiful bower-like 
path, leading directly into the right side of 
his Way. By its side were gay-colored, 
sweet-scented flowers, and in it stood a 
woman of peculiar fascination. Christian 
saw her; and at first he thought she was the 
most bewitchingly beautiful woman he had 
ever seen. 

Now, just as she was about to allure 
Christian from his Way by the flattery of her 
lips and the subtle winking of her eyes, — for 
she was Impurity, the Magical Queen! — 
Three Fold Helper grasped him by the arms, 
quickly turning him from her before her 
spell had seized him. But just then a 
Whirlwind of Passion passed that way, 
violently hurling Christian against the wall 
beside which Impurity was standing. Three 
Fold Helper thrust at her with his Sword, 

. 106 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



but failing to strike her, threw his arms 
around Christian, pulling him off the wall, 
and back upon the Narrow Way. 

"Arise! Fight! and Escape!" he called to 
Christian — who was up like a flash. 

"You enemy!" shouted Christian, as he 
flashed his Sword and tried to smite her. 

In a moment what he had mistaken for 
beauty was gone, and he saw the wicked 
glare of destruction in her eyes, and fear and 
courage warred within him. 

"Follow me!" called Three Fold Helper, 
excitedly. "Make haste to these steps! 
She is subtle and treacherous, and hard to 
fight on her own ground." 

So Christian, still smiting at her, fol- 
lowed hard after his friend, and hurriedly 
struggled up the Steps of Pure Thought to 
the Bridge of Escape, while daggers and 
darts rained against his Armour. 

"How glad I am you escaped," said 
Three Fold Helper, getting his breath. "I 
knew if you once got here you would be 

107 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



safe. But be on the lookout! Unmention- 
able evils dwell in the darkness of this grove, 
and that wretch — White Slaver — is among 
them. You will see many innocent-appear- 
ing paths in this neighborhood leading to the 
House of Sin, where the wicked Queen 
reigns over her City. *Her lips drop honey 
and her mouth is smoother than oil,* says 
The Book. 'She has cast down many 
wounded; yea, many strong men have been 
slain by her. Her slain indeed are a mighty 
host, for her House inclineth unto Death, 
and her paths lead unto the Dead.' M 

And as they walked along he said, 
"When once she has captured her victim and 
gotten him into her lair of sin, her two cruel 
servants, Greater and Lesser Disease, prac- 
tice their cruel arts upon him, wounding, 
torturing and burning him, until at the last 
he mourns, when his flesh and his body are 
consumed." 

As darkness fell the lights of the City of 
Lust began to shine behind the trees, and 

108 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



before Christian realized it, they were begin- 
ning to pass over the city. The sound of 
laughter greeted the two men as they 
walked along. Gay song and music filled 
their ears. Glaring lights, rich buildings 
and flippant art filled their vision. 
Presently they came to a large open plat- 
form, from which fine large steps led down. 

"What are these steps, and where may 
they lead?** asked Christian. 

"They are called the Way of Bad Com- 
panionships. See! they get larger as they 
descend. The stones have been worn away 
by the great numbers that have used them. 
At the bottom they divide into three ways: 
one leads to the broad Boulevard Apathy; 
the other to Hotel Drink Evil, and the other 
to the House of Sin. Many of those who 
follow down these steps in their mad careers, 
seeking the desires of their flesh and of their 
minds, when they reach the limit of their 
ways, find only dissatisfaction, ruin, death! 
Beware, lest some one passing do grasp and 

109 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



pull you down!" said Three Fold Helper, 
as he finished. 

No sooner had the words left him than 
a crowd of gay young men came along, and 
one called out, "There's one of them!" With 
that the crowd laid hold on the two men and 
tried to drag them over the Wall to take 
them down with them. But Christian and 
Three Fold Helper, grasping their Swords, 
began frightening the crowd away. One 
man took hold of Christian's Sword, cut 
himself in the hand, and fled. Others that 
were wounded were hurriedly picked up by 
their companions, who, fleeing down the 
steps, quickly got away from the Knights of 
the Cross, much the worse for the experi- 
ence. 

Then the two Knights moved on, and, 
crossing the broad Boulevard Apathy, stop- 
ped to look down. What a gaiety and 
apparent happiness! What a glitter of 
lights and sound of music! What places of 

magic attractions lined the Boulevard! 

no 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



What great, moving, restless throngs of 
people! 

"Do these people pay any attention to 
this Bridge of Escape over their City?" 
asked Christian after a little observation. 

"Some give it a passing thought," ad- 
mitted Three Fold Helper. "They are not 
left without witness, for at the piers at the 
sides of the Boulevard the King has repre- 
sentatives. One, a brother of Reverend 
Minister at the Tower of the Sanctuary, is 
Evangelist. He calls to them that pass by, 
but they give little heed. The other repre- 
sentative is Home Missionary, whose brave 
brother, Foreign Missionary, labors in Fields 
afar; he goes right out and pulls many in 
from the Broad Boulevard. Those who 
reach the Narrow Way, — and they are few 
after all, — go on this Pilgrimage to the 
King's City." 

"Looking down on Boulevard Apathy 
made me dizzy," said Christian as they went 
on. 

111 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



"Some of those who traveled this Way 
have fallen by the effect this City had upon 
them," said Three Fold Helper. "Be care- 
ful, for we are coming to a place of danger." 

But Christian thought not of danger, 
when he saw a way to the right, much like 
the Narrow Way, built of stone and curving 
off from it, leading to a great brilliantly 
lighted Roof Garden on top of the Hotel 
Drink Evil. On it many gay and happy 
people were sitting among the palms and 
flowers, beside attractive tables, eating and 
drinking. And he saw a sign: 

JOY AND LIFE ARE HERE 
PILGRIMS ENTER FREE 
REST, EAT AND DRINK 
RETURN ASSURED 

The place looked so easy to reach, and 
return seemed so certain, that he put one 
foot over the wall. Christian was hot and 
tired, and it was harmless looking, anyway. 
He was about to go over to it when, chanc- 

112 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



ing to look over the side of the wall, he was 
frightened at what he saw. Despite the 
effect of the glittering lights on the Roof 
Garden of Wine — for such was its name — 
he saw far below, at the back and side of 
the great Hotel, dark mysterious moving 
shapes and forms. Then he took another 
look at the roof garden opposite, where he 
discovered people alighting from an eleva- 
tor. They had entered the Hotel Drink Evil 
from the attractive front which faced on 
Boulevard Apathy. Then he looked down 
again into the darkness, which seemed to be 
full of tumult and disorder. 

As his eyes became accustomed to the 
darkness, he saw, level with the ground, 
men poorly clad being kicked out of the side 
of the great building. Then he saw dead 
bodies being thrown out like so much refuse. 
His anger burned. He perceived a great 
company of women and children, some of 
them weeping, many hungry and poorly 
clad, calling out for the dead bodies, or 

113 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



taking charge of the staggering wrecks. 
Police were there in great numbers grasping 
many that came or fell out. Many of the 
people that came out were imbeciles, insane, 
or utterly unfitted for the duties of life. 

There was one door at the back of the 
building, which Christian realized was the 
Door of Disease, out of which crowds 
seemed to be pushed. Then he looked again 
at the Roof Garden of Wine and saw another 
sign, which read: 

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY ! 

"Be Merry!" he thundered inwardly, — 
"but only for a moment!" — and he thought 
of what he had just seen. 

Then Christian saw the floor below the 
roof garden. It was packed with people 
and was brilliantly lighted. There seemed 
to be much gayety and sociability; and he 
perceived it was the Banquet of Lord Beer. 
Most of his guests had come from the great 
Boulevard Apathy, but there were some also 

114 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



whom Christian had seen on the Roof Gar- 
den of Wine. 

The next floor below was where the 
Whiskey Drinker's Party was going on, and 
he perceived there those from every walk of 
life. Many different impulses brought them 
there. 

There were other floors and other 
rooms in the Hotel Drink Evil, one of which 
was Champagne Parlor, and another Ab- 
sinthe Den. We cannot here take time to 
tell of them all. 

After being satiated with these sights, 
Christian— dazed and dizzy — tried to get 
back from the wall into the Narrow Way, 
but his leg was asleep. Then he realized 
that Three Fold Helper had hold of him, and 
had kept him from falling down. When 
Christian was finally gotten safely into the 
Narrow Bridge of Escape, he lay there for a 
time nearly unconscious. 

"You might easily have lost your bal- 
ance," said Three Fold Helper. "Others 

115 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



who have had one leg over that wall have 
fallen. Do you realize what a dread disaster 
you have escaped? Many from the Boule- 
vard Apathy go into the great Hotel Drink 
Evil, step into that smoothly running eleva- 
tor, the Place of Temptation, enjoy a short 
time on the Roof Garden of Wine, and then 
get a passion to see what is going on below, 
at Lord Beer's Banquet. From there they 
stumble or fall to the next lower floor, and 
get into the Whiskey Drinker's Party; then 
continue on down, many things happening 
to them, until at last they come out on the 
ground floor, at the side and back of the 
Hotel. 

"The climax of their career is most sad! 
Their lives are broken, their characters 
gone! They are poor, cast out and for- 
saken. They are responsible for many 
murders and more lawlessness. Criminals 
and insane, they are dangerous to the land. 
Alas! alas! some are dead, and no place is 
theirs for burial.* * 

116 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



4 'Thank you for saving me," said Chris- 
tian, pale and grateful. And he arose, and 
they went on. 

Now the two Knights were about to pass 
through the outskirts of the City, when 
Christian saw two buildings— Written and 
Spoken Evil — by the side of the Way. As 
they were approaching, however, a man sud- 
denly appeared, and opening a conversation 
with the Knights, said, 

**My good men, be not frightened, it is 
only I — the harmless one — Worldly Pleas- 
ure. You are fatigued, I doubt not, with 
your Journey, and the trying experiences 
that have befallen you. Come with me, my 
good Pilgrims; this pleasant street leads to 
my house, and there I have many things that 
will cheer and refresh you. After I have 
set food before you, you may go on if you so 
choose, or if you desire to remain, I have 
some furnished houses vacant wherein you 
may find all manner of Diversions, and live 
happily, if that be your pleasure." 

117 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Now the man was unarmed and did not 
have the appearance of an enemy. Three 
Fold Helper was for going on, but Christian 
lingered. 

"I would not abide in your City," said 
Christian to Worldly Pleasure, "but I would 
like a little rest and diversion." 

"Come, then; follow me down this 
street," said Worldly Pleasure. 

Three Fold Helper, knowing the danger 
of even visiting within that City, called ex- 
citedly to Christian: 

"Turn back! Turn back, O Christian! 
The Lighthouse of Refuge is just beyond 
us; rest you will find there in plenty, and 
with us is the King's Food and Drink! 
Come! There is great danger at night in the 
City of Lust!" But Christian heeded not. 
Se he called again with much vehemence: 

"Turn back! Turn back, O Christian! 
The Book says, 'There is a way which 
seemeth right unto a man; but the ends 
thereof are the ways of death.* " 

118 







3 




V 










8 


Struggling and Fighting, Christian Neared the Wall 


!■: 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Then Christian turned, when he heard 
those words, and awaked as one out of sleep, 
and tried suddenly to go back to the Narrow 
Way, but it was up hill, and the man — 
Worldly Pleasure — seeing him turn, took 
hold of him to force him along. And one, 
Gambler, suddenly appearing, tried to bind 
him with a chain; and a young lad — False 
Fascination — waved a peculiar light before 
his eyes, partly blinding him. But Chris- 
tian, struggling and fighting as with death 
itself, finally got near the wall of the Nar- 
row Way, where Three Fold Helper with 
his Sword beat off his enemies for him and 
helped him over the wall. Neither spoke, as 
there was no time for words. 

Now when the Knights came to the two 
houses, Written and Spoken Evil, a man 
came out of the House of Spoken Evil to 
arrest Christian's attention. Christian had 
hardly stopped when he detected in him 
another enemy, and when he would have 
gone on again, he found himself entangled 

121 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



in a rope which was fastened to a window in 
the House of Written Evil. He had not seen 
the rope let down. Then Three Fold Helper 
with a few quick strokes cut the rope, and 
they fled again. 

Then Moderate Drinker, from the Hotel 
Drink Evil, would have stopped the two 
men, but they, flashing their Swords at him, 
went on. 

They next saw a man who appeared and 
then seemed to disappear, and as they 
passed the place where they had seen him, 
Christian fell headlong over some stumbling 
blocks. 

"Up! Good Christian," called Three 
Fold Helper, swinging his Sword and help- 
ing him to his feet. "Yonder is the Light- 
house of Refuge! Up and for it! We are 
pressed on every side, yet not straitened; 
perplexed, but not unto despair! Well do I 
know who cast those stumbling blocks that 
caused your fall; it was none other than 
Inconsistent Church Member. If we could 

122 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



only lay hands on him, we would show him a 
thing.'* 

When Former Habits and Popularity 
laid hold on the two Knights, they struggled 
hard for their freedom, and when they 
would have smitten these enemies, they 
were gone. 

Realizing after a time that the worst 
was over, as the City of Lust was some dis- 
tance behind them, they partook of the 
King's Manna and Living Water. And their 
eyes being enlightened, they were encour- 
aged by the sight of the King's powerful 
Lighthouse of Refuge. And as they were 
coming up near it, the door suddenly opened, 
and Christian, surprised, turned to thank 
his noble escort, but saw only his disappear- 
ing form. Then entered Christian, wearied 
but joyful, into the Lighthouse of Refuge. 



123 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE LIGHTHOUSE OF 
REFUGE 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 




:THE LIGHTHOUSE] 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE LIGHTHOUSE OF REFUGE 

[HEN Christian entered the 
' Pilgrim's Room of the Light- 
house of Refuge, he sat down 
upon the Chair of Confi- 
dence, and there he rested 
for a time. Then seeing the 
Bed of Trustfulness made ready, he lay 
down and was soon fast asleep on it. 

He knew not the strength of the place 
that protected him, nor the enemies that all 
the night long assaulted it. It had been 
formed by the King's Father and His Serv- 
ants out of the Everlasting Rock, and stood 
upon the side of the High Hill of Suffering. 
Its walls and floors and dome-like roof were 
of one piece, and as thick as Christian's 
body was tall. The rounding sides of this 
Lighthouse of Refuge, and its dome-like 
roof made it appear, — as it was in reality, — 
immensely powerful. 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Above the Pilgrim's Room, four open- 
ings through the thick walls let out the 
Light, — Light never faltering, never flick- 
ering, steady, powerful, penetrating, far- 
reaching; — toward the East, toward the 
West, toward the North and toward the 
South. The Light was cheer and hope to 
weary Pilgrims journeying towards it; con- 
solation, comfort and inspiration to Pil- 
grims climbing in the darkness the High 
Hill of Suffering, but it was the blinding of 
eyes and darkness to all the King's enemies. 

The door by which Christian entered, 
below the light facing the West, was called 
Salvation, and the one facing the East, 
Praise. 

Lost in sweet unconscious slumber, 
Christian knew not of the Hosts of Dark- 
ness, — phantom shapes that took human 
form, shades but not flesh, real but unreal, — 
the spirits full of energy that warred that 
night against his place of refuge. For they 
were the World Rulers of This Darkness, 

128 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



they were the Spiritual Hosts of Wicked- 
ness in the Heavenly Places. Like ocean 
breakers pounding against the cliffs did they 
make their attacks, and then like defeated 
foam retreated back from whence they 
came. On and on, endlessly did they attack 
in the darkness of that night, and endlessly 
retreat, nor did ever one slightest vibration 
of the Lighthouse of Refuge, wherein safety 
alone could be found, signal of their exist- 
ence. Christian knew not of these enemies, 
and well for him that he did not, for he 
scarce could war against the foes he knew. 

At the base of the Lighthouse of Refuge, 
which was below the Narrow Way, there 
assembled as Christian slept, the Fiends of 
Evil. They also had determined his destruc- 
tion. They were exceedingly mad against 
him. They rushed to and fro seeking a 
place of attack, but found none. The Light 
above them blinded their eyes, and mad- 
dened them yet the more. They stumbled 
amidst the stones and rusting weapons and 

129 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



drying bones. They shrieked and screamed 
in their great anxiety. And Hate was a 
leader amongst them. His iron-like arms 
found not a place to spend their strength. 
Murder rankled in his heart. And Jealousy, 
— his coals of fire glowing with ever greater 
intensity, nervously paced up and down, 
stumbling in the darkness. Envy moved 
hither and thither, and Discontent was with 
him, and evil radiated from them. Blas- 
phemy exhaled a penetrating Smoke that 
suffocated Pilgrims, and dulled the glimmer 
of their Armour. And among the others 
was one peculiar and alone, — Seeker After 
New Sensations was his name. His nature 
was sensitive, his mind imaginative, and 
experimenting was his chief delight. How 
horridly did he rub himself against the wall! 
His face was fearful to behold, his body not 
unlike the beast's. And again, once and 
again did he mutter: "If I had but a begin- 
ning with that Pilgrim! If I had but a be- 
ginning! If he could but once enjoy the 

130 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



flavor of smoothly wicked things, and taste 
of the delight of hideous sin — he would be 
mine, be mine." So the Fiends, enraged, 
fought with one another in the blackness of 
the night, and cut themselves upon the 
stones. But the Lighthouse of Refuge stood 
firm, impregnable, and the harder its 
enemies struggled against it, so much the 
swifter did they bring their own destruction 
down upon them. 

And Christian slept like a child that 
night, without fear or knowledge of the evil 
that was determined against him. 



131 

n 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE HIGH HILL OF 
SUFFERING 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 




CHAPTER IX. 

THE HIGH HILL OF SUFFERING 

HE glories of the morning had 
melted into the gray blue of 
the virgin day. Christian, 
filled with vigor, arose re- 
freshed. After partaking of 
I Food and Drink, he anointed 
his Shield and Sword, and filled his Lantern; 
he read words from his Book of Truth also, 
and praises welled up within his heart. So 
he sang, and praised the King with joyful 
voice, and the Lighthouse of Refuge re- 
sounded with his song. And seeing that the 
Door of Praise had opened for him, he 
passed through it to pursue his way. 

The smoke which Blasphemy had made 
the night before still hung in the air, and 
although it made him choke and cough, he 
soon passed through it to safety. 

Then did Christian get his first view of 
the High Hill of Suffering. A solitary tree, 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



or patch of greenness, stood out in bold con- 
trast to the sandy, rocky, irregular waste, 
and the caves in the Hill looked like eyes of 
darkness. Chiseled from the Rock of Ages 
on the summit of the Hill, the Cross — Sym- 
bol of Christ's sacrifice — rose up to the 
boundless blue. It stood between the Heav- 
ens and the Earth — fashioned by the King's 
hand, and anointed with his blood. 

Now Christian's heart grew faint as he 
looked at the Hill; even the sight of the 
Cross itself failed to stir up within him the 
will to suffer and conquer. "This Journey 
is fraught with difficulties," he said to him- 
self. "Fightings there are within and fears 
without, and struggles never ending." 

Ascending the Hill, he found not such 
difficulties as he had thought, and taking 
hold of the railings, Patience and Obedience, 
at either side of him, he got from them much 
assistance. In some places the Way was 
smooth and only slightly hilly, and while 
other places were steep, he found not such 

136 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



steepness as he had expected. So it came 
to pass that he came to a seat cut out of 
stone, and there sat down to refresh him- 
self. 

As he took up his Way again, he noticed 
that the sky, which had been clear, was now 
becoming gray and cloudy. His Way be- 
came wild and rocky, too, and fears crept 
stealthily into his heart. And since the Way 
was now steep, and difficult of ascent, he 
progressed slowly. So, after some strug- 
gling, he came to a great overhanging 
rock, and suddenly discovered beneath it a 
dark cave in which he saw two glowing 
eyes! The great she- wolf Persecution ad- 
vanced towards him, teeth bared, ears laid 
back, hair bristling! Her three whelps, 
Cruelty, Torture and Ridicule, followed 
close beside her. Christian held his breath. 
His heart thumped wildly. Seeing he was 
in an evil case, he quickly had his Shield 
before him, and braced himself against the 
Rail of Patience. Then like an avalanche 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



did the great beast come against him, and 
violently hurled him against the rail. Her 
three whelps also joined in the attack, 
scratching and biting at his feet. 

Then did the Wolf spring again at Chris- 
tian, and, her teeth grazing his Armour, she 
became infuriated yet the more. She 
bruised her snout to bleeding, and failed a 
second time to cast him down. Then Chris- 
tian's strength arose within him and courage 
crowned his whitened brow. But when the 
third time, raging and growling, the Wolf 
leaped upon him, down he went crashing 
on the stones before her! And he fell with 
his face to the earth. 

As he lay there, expecting any moment 
to be torn in pieces, — for he had given up 
all hope, — he heard a low growl. Daring 
to turn his head, he saw the Wolf standing 
like a statue, fixed with fear — looking up- 
ward! And just then was a rope let down 
before him, and perceiving that it was to 
help him escape, he quickly had it around 

138 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



him, and was amazed at his deliverance as 
he felt himself being drawn upward. The 
brightness above him blinded his eyes, and 
when he looked to discern his deliverer, 
after he stood upon the top of the cave, the 
brightness melted away. And getting out 
of that place quickly for fear of the Wolf, 
he praised the King with joyful lips, saying: 

"Blessed be the Lord, my King, who 
hath this day sent deliverance to his servant, 
by his Holy Angel." 

Christian now found his Way smooth 
again, and covered with grass, although it 
was still quite steep. The sky above was 
getting darker, and evening was hastening 
on, and the Light from the Lighthouse of 
Refuge shined upon him. Then a storm 
arose, and mighty winds lifted up them- 
selves against him, even the winds of Pain 
and Trial, and they blew from this side 
and that, and beat upon him with much 
vehemence. And Christian struggled might- 
ily, and battled hard, and sank down; and 

139 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



he ceased to hear the howling whistling 
winds. And two Helpers lifted him up, and 
revived him, and helped him along. And 
Kind Heart comforted him and said: 

"The King himself once climbed these 
rocky steeps, and battled with such a storm, 
and finished ascending this High Hill; 
indeed, He knows the difficulty of this Way, 
even every stone and steep ascent, and try- 
ing wind." 

And Loving Service, putting a cool hand 
upon his fevered brow, spake and said: 

"Be strong! Good Christian. 'Whom the 
King loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth 
every son whom he receiveth.* " 

And Christian looked and saw the shin- 
ing countenances of his Helpers. Now they 
had faces like angels, but bodies like the 
sons of men. So he was strengthened. And 
the winds having for the time died down, he 
blessed his Helpers in the name of the King, 
and they returned, but he continued on, eat- 
ing his Manna as he went. 

140 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



After some time the winds again lifted 
up themselves, and bore down upon him 
with great force. And the sands of Fever 
burned his face. And Grief, a mighty 
cyclone, rent the rocks of the great Hill, and 
marched swiftly in terror along its side, and 
caught Christian in its unseen grasp, and 
flung him in a hollow of the hill, — even 
beside the Tomb of Death. And when con- 
sciousness returned to him, he dully peered 
into the Darkness of the Shadow of Death. 
And the lightning flashed, and Sorrow set- 
tled like a cloud upon him. Then did his 
heart cry out in loneliness, and there was 
none that heard, nor any that regarded. 
The light in his Lantern shined brightly, but 
darkness was a wall about him. Then it 
was he felt himself being lifted up and 
borne along, — away from the Tomb, away 
from the Darkened Door, away from the 
Shadow of Death itself, — toward the Cross. 
The arms were strong and faltered not, even 

141 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



the Everlasting Arms; and thus assisted, — 
quietly, surely, did he ascend. 

"Who was this friend?" — did he ask in 
his conscious moments. What need to ask? 
Did not his heart burn within him at the 
words of Grace and Truth that were whis- 
pered to it! He was the Friend that sticketh 
closer than a brother, the Friend of the 
lonely Pilgrim in the dark hour, even the 
Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Grief, 
who stood at the Tomb of the Bereaved and 
groaned in his spirit, — whose presence 
brought Hope and Comfort, yea very Life! 
He was the King of Kings, who dwelleth On 
High, but is also the Friend of the Tried and 
Sorrowing; and He is nigh unto them that 
are of a Broken Heart. Could He not cause 
the winds to cease, and the Storm to stop its 
raging? Yea verily! Did He not do it on 
the lake when the waves lifted up them- 
selves on high and filled His Disciples' 
hearts with fear? Yea verily! But they 
knew Him that night as one to fear, and 

142 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



marveled at Him. He lets the Winds, the 
Storms, the Cyclones rage on, that He may 
press us to His heart. He will never fail us 
nor forsake us. He stirs up our nest as the 
eagle for our good, and flutters over us in 
Love that we may fly out in Fear and Faith, 
and feel under us His mighty wings, and 
rest in Confidence on His pinions. 

3o the hours of darkness marched along, 
and the Friend failed not during all the 
weary night. And when in the morning 
Christian opened his eyes, he found him- 
self beneath the Cross. Kneeling there, his 
emotions were stirred within him, and he 
leaned his Shield of Faith against it, and he 
poured of his Oil upon the Shield. When he 
was refreshed, he rose up, Shield on arm, 
and went to the side of the Cross that looked 
towards the King's City. Facing the King's 
City, he drew his Sword, and, raising it 
aloft, lifted up his voice and praised the 
King, saying: 

''Blessed be the King, whose I am, and 

143 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



whom I serve, by whose strength I have 
surmounted this High Hill of Suffering. His 
Delivering Angel rescued me from the 
angry Wolf. His Helpers encouraged and 
helped me onward. He himself rescued me 
from the Tomb of Darkness and of the 
Shadow of Death, and bore me onward by 
the strength of His Everlasting Arms. He 
delivered me out of all my troubles. He 
tested me that He might make pure gold 
that would reflect His glory. His Way is 
good, — even the Way of my King and my 
God." 

So Christian stood beside the Cross, 
looking and wondering in that rarest 
moment of his life, his whole being filled 
and thrilled with joy. And all the buds burst 
into bloom for gladness, and the flowers 
opened their chambers of perfume, the 
trees shook themselves in the morning light, 
and the hills were clothed with re-echoing 
song. The Valley of Human Life stretched 
out before him, wide and pleasant and fair 

144 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



to behold. The River of God — pure and 
sparkling — flowed in the midst of it, and 
cities nestled in its greenness. Beyond, — 
beyond trees and hills and valleys, far 
away to the sunrising, partly veiled by the 
mists of the dewy morning, he saw the 
glories of the King's City. And all nature 
seemed to be echoing and re-echoing the 
gladness that he felt. Flowers and trees and 
hills joined in the glorious symphony of the 
soul in harmony with God. And Christian, 
as he stood there, with the City's Glory 
reflected from gleaming Sword and shining 
Shield and glistening Armour, was, indeed, 
The Light of the World. And he looked long 
and earnestly at the Revelation, and the light 
of the City caressed the distant mountains, 
and its splendor glorified the hills, and its 
light revealed the f ruitfulness of the Valley 
beneath him. 



145 

6 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER X. 

THE CROSS AND THE CASTLE 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER X. 

THE CROSS AND THE CASTLE 

HRISTIAN, going down to his 
left beside the Cross, discov- 
ered the Fountain of Living 
Waters beneath it. And the 
Heavenly Manna was grow- 
ing there. And to his right 
he saw the great overhanging Rock of Law. 
The Way of Life had been cut into it, and 
the Steps of Grace chiseled out of it. Hear- 
ing the sounds of a man beneath the Rock, 
he called out: 

"Ho! such a one! Try not to climb over 
this Rock, seeing it is impossible; you will 
only injure yourself, and doubtless fall into 
the rolling Waters of Justice, which I know 
flow from it." 

Then the one who had been making the 
sounds answered, "Who are you to talk to 
me? Take up your Journey and be gone!" 
Now, he spoke with some heat, for trying to 




A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



do the impossible had set his nerves on edge, 
— "If I choose to reach the Cross this way, it 
is nobody's business. Do you think for a 
moment I would take those easy steps cut 
out in the Rock, by which most people come 
to the Cross? Not I!" 

Having got a momentary glimpse of the 
man, Christian recognized him as Not Good 
Enough Yet, and said: 

"But, my dear man, the King alone cut 
those steps out of this great Rock to make it 
easy for those who come to the Cross. 
Ought you then to put His Way, — the Way 
of Life, — lightly aside?" Then the man 
answered: 

"I will reach the Cross and the King's 
City in my own way, I tell you!" I will 
climb over this great Rock of Law, and when 
I reach it, pat myself on the chest and say, *I 
conquered. My way is better than the 
King's, and in self-confidence I will reach the 
City." 

150 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



"Have you ever heard of anyone's reach- 
ing the Cross in your way?" asked Christian. 

"No! Of course, not!" he answered, 
"but I am different and better than the 
others. Those silly ones fell into the Waters 
here and were lost, but I will succeed." 

"Think not that you are so very differ- 
ent from all living,'* said Christian. "Unless 
you try to reach this Cross by the easy steps 
the King has made, you will likewise 
perish." 

Just then a short, strong man — Works 
of the Law — appeared from beneath the 
Rock, chisel and hammer in hand, wiping 
the perspiration from his brow. He said to 
Christian: 

"What is that you say, that people from 
this Valley can reach the Cross only by way 
of the easy Steps of Grace?" 

"That was the real truth of what I said," 
answered Christian. 

"Oh, nonsense," said the man, "I have 
some steps carved here already in this Rock, 

151 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



and even though my companion fail in his 
task, I will succeed in mine." 

"You will succeed simply in finding out 
the impossibility of your task," answered 
Christian. 

"Away with such foolish talk," replied 
Works of the Law. 

"It may seem foolish to you," said Chris- 
tian, — "and even the Steps of Grace of the 
Way of Life may appear to you as foolish- 
ness, but whether they do or not, those who 
would come to the Cross and reach the 
King's City must put their own way aside. 
Forsake, I pray you, your impossible task, 
and come to the Cross in the King's Way, 
and He will reward you, and sanctify your 
energy, and use the tools in your hand for 
His glory. The pure Living Waters that 
flow from beneath the Cross can wash and 
make you clean, and you can pursue your 
Journey with joy." 

"It is no use! It is no use!" Works of the 
Law called up, "I am set in my purpose to 

152 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



reach the Cross this way." And as Chris- 
tian was about to speak again, he hotly ex- 
claimed, "And I don't want you to bother 
me any longer with your foolish words." 

"Permit me to say but one word more," 
said Christian persuasively. "You will be 
sorry you have not accepted the King's Way 
when you fully realize the hardness of this 
Great Rock, for, indeed, the Rock of the 
Law blunts the points of the hardest and 
sharpest chisels made." 

"Pursue your way!" the man hotly re- 
plied, and with great fury he again began 
chiseling at the Rock. 

Christian was now attracted by a com- 
pany of people at the foot of the Steps. They 
seemed to be gesticulating, scolding, arguing 
and pleading with one another. And he 
perceived that Mr. Undecided — whose house 
was hard by — seemed to have much to say 
to the people assembled. They gave so 
much heed to his words that Christian 
thought they were his near kinsmen, or 

153 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



close friends. And the people seemed fear- 
ful about leaving him, and closely assembled 
around him. 

Then Christian saw Soul Winner, also a 
Knight of the Cross, approach the people in 
the company, and plead with one and an- 
other to take up the King's Journey. Some 
shook their heads as he spoke, others were 
grave, — some laughed, and one was in tears. 

Bible Teacher also moved through the 
company, and speaking to children, young 
people and their elders as well, strove to 
point them to the Cross. Some looked 
towards it, but many others were more inter- 
ested in the words of Mr. Undecided; and 
some left the company altogether and went 
their ways into the Valley and disappeared 
from view. 

Then Christian summoned his courage 
together to speak also to those in the com- 
pany below him, and even though he felt 
faint at heart, he knew that when he was 

154 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



weak, then was he strong in the King's 
strength. And he called and said: 

"Unto you, O people, do I call. Hear ye 
my voice. Ye who are thirsty for eternal 
refreshing, come ye to the waters of the 
Cross — even unto the Fountain of Living 
Waters. Whosoever will, let him come and 
take of the Water of Life freely. And ye 
whose garments are polluted, and whose 
flesh is unclean from the dust of the Valley, 
come! wash you, make you clean in these 
waters. The Heavenly Manna is here be- 
neath the Cross. Come! Eat ye of it, and 
live! Yonder is the City — which mine eyes 
have seen. Stay not nor fear, O people, — 
whosoever cometh unto the King, He will 
in no wise cast out!" 

Now the company of people all heard 
the King's invitation, as Christian called to 
them, but three of the sons of Mr. Unde- 
cided, — Poor Excuse, Fastened to Things 
and Insufficient Reason, — quickly passed 

155 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



through the company and destroyed much 
of the good effect of his words. 

When Christian had finished, Miss Joy- 
ful Fall Away started for the Cross. She 
spoke to all the company of the joy she had, 
and began ascending the steps so rapidly 
that Christian wondered if she did not fear 
the stones would dissolve beneath her. She 
had her eyes on the Cross, and her face 
glowed with radiance. But hark! A Lion's 
roar was heard from the wood nearby; and 
again, like thunder, did it vibrate through 
the trees. She stopped! Her face paled, 
her eyes started with fear and fixed them- 
selves on the wood. Then she turned and 
suddenly darted down the steps, — rushing 
through the startled company at the bottom 
of them, — and fled on and on till Christian 
saw her no more. 

Then Christian saw emerging slowly 
from the company, Mr. Riches of this Life, 
his wife, Pleasures of this Life, and her 
mother, Mrs. Choked with Care. The man 

156 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



carried a satchel in each hand. Slowly did 
the trio climb the steps, and being burdened 
by many things, they fussed and fumed 
about them. Then, as they were making 
for the Cross, a number of people appeared 
at the bottom of the steps to dissuade them, 
even Relatives, Friends and Servants, who, 
getting on the steps, would take them back 
by force. And one called out: 

"Do you realize what you are leaving? 
Surely you have taken deep root amongst 
us, and it is with much regret that we see 
you departing. Remember, Mr. Riches of 
this Life, the severing of the attachments 
to your Estate cannot be quickly healed!" 

But the man, his wife and mother-in-law 
must needs go onward, and continued un- 
heeding. 

Seeing how slowly they came to the 
Cross, Christian offered to go down to give 
them his assistance. But they said, "We 
will attend to our own affairs!" 

Then Christian said to them, *'If you 

157 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



wish to reach the Cross, had you not better 
leave your encumbrances behind you? for I 
see you are greatly hindered by them." 

But they were engrossed in their own 
affairs and took no heed to his words. 

Presently one of the satchels carried by 
the man broke in one corner, and the gold 
and silver coins began falling on the steps 
and rolling down on the Rock. Then did 
they all begin diligently to seek for them, 
and soon utterly forgot that they had started 
for the Cross. 

After this, one of set purpose broke 
through the company and began ascending 
the steps. He looked straight at the Cross. 
He was clothed with a polluted Red Gar- 
ment, from which he was vainly trying to 
free himself; moreover, his flesh was soiled 
with the dust and dirt of the Valley, and he 
carried in his hand a Book. His desire to 
reach the Cross was so great that he cast 
away the things that hindered him. His 
face wore a look of anxiety. Coming up 

158 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



with the man and the two women who 
sought for the coins, he found it difficult to 
push his way past them, for they and their 
belongings quite filled up the narrow steps. 

Christian, recognizing the man as Hon- 
est Good Heart, spoke and said to him, 
"Hail! Honest Good Heart! The King's 
blessing be upon you, be strong to come to 
the Cross." And passing through the nar- 
row place in the Rock by the Fountain, he 
went to the man, and taking hold of his arm, 
said to him: 

"Why do you look so troubled, my 
brother?" 

"Because of this polluted Red Garment 
that I wear," the man answered, "which is of 
mine own weaving, 'tis true, and I would 
fain tear it from me, but I cannot; and be- 
cause my flesh is covered with the dust and 
dirt of the Valley of Human Life, from 
whence I came. Oh, that I might be free! I 
seem bound by this Garment. I cast away 

159 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



everything that hindered me, but I cannot 
away with this!" 

"Fear not, my good Brother, the Foun- 
tain of Living Water, which flows from be- 
neath the Cross, will cleanse both you and 
your Garment," said Christian. 

"Can it be so, indeed!" said Honest 
Good Heart. "Alas! I have brought no 
provision for this Journey." 

"The King is mindful of the needs of 
those who journey towards Him," said 
Christian. "He will provide everything that 
is necessary." 

"I am so much relieved at that good 
word," replied Honest Good Heart. "One 
Soul Winner who labors for the King in the 
Valley told me this Garment was polluted, 
after which a feeling of great anxiety came 
over me. I could not cleanse it or take it off 
myself, nor could anyone else come to my 
aid. But Soul Winner pointed me to the 
Cross and said, *If you can only reach it, all 
will be well. Forsake everything and make 

160 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



for it. Today is the day of Salvation.' And 
so as I was coming out of the Valley by the 
Way of Repentance, — the King's goodness 
led me to it, — I met my old friend Unde- 
cided. I found it hard to break away from 
him, but when I heard you say how the King 
had helped you climb the High Hill of Suf- 
fering, and again when I heard what you 
said about the Fountain and the Manna, I 
broke away and started hither. I had diffi- 
culty passing those three people on the 
steps, they took up so much of the room." 

By this time the two men had reached 
the top and had found the narrow opening 
which led to the Fountain. And Honest 
Good Heart said: 

"Truly, I am glad I cast away the things 
I carried with me, else I should not have 
gotten through here, it is so straight and 
narrow." 

Seeing the Fountain of Living Waters, 
and the pure water that flowed abundantly 
from it, and the large Basin of Baptism be- 

161 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



neath it, he rejoiced. And taking the Cup 
of Salvation, he drank thereof long and 
deeply, and said: 

"Blessed be the King and this, His Foun- 
tain, for I have never before been able to 
quench this thirsting that I had." 

Falling on his knees as he looked to the 
Cross, he bowed his head by the Basin of 
Baptism. And his polluted Red Garment 
fell into the Fountain of Living Waters, and 
behold! in a moment it was changed to one 
of wool-like whiteness and beautiful appear- 
ance. And as he lifted the New White Gar- 
ment from the Waters, it was dry and ready 
for wearing; moreover, he was cleansed 
from the Valley's dirt and dust. And he put 
on the Garment with rejoicing, and stopped 
not to wonder at the miracle that had been 
wrought. Then he climbed up to kneel be- 
fore the Cross itself, and a New Spirit en- 
tered into his heart, and there was a time 
of deep and gladsome enjoyment. 

"Remember to gather of the Manna," 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Christian called, "that you may eat and be 
strengthened." 

Finding it beneath the Cross, Honest 
Good Heart gathered and ate, and his hun- 
ger was satisfied. And Christian bade him 
look toward the east for the King's City. 
And he did so, but the glory of it made him 
hide his face, and when he dared to look 
again, the clouds had closed the City in, but 
the vision of the glory of it stimulated and 
strengthened him. 

When the two men, looking down the 
Way of Life from the Cross, saw Mr. Riches 
of This Life, his wife and mother-in-law, the 
three had made little progress; but, know- 
ing that they would receive no assistance, 
they took up their Way with joyfulness, 
Christian going before. 

Now the Way, as it led from the Cross, 
had a thick stone wall on either side of it; 
on the right side was the Wall of Faith, and 
on the left, the Wall of Works. As they 
walked along they had much pleasant con- 

163 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



versation together, and Christian told his 
companion about his experiences, trials and 
joys, along the Way. 

Honest Good Heart listened intently, 
and came to realize that the Way was hard 
and difficult, that enemies lie in wait to 
deceive and to destroy, but that times of 
rejoicing also come to those who journey 
patiently, and visions are seen by those who 
climb the heights. 

As the two men journeyed on, they saw 
three men walking along outside of the Wall 
of Faith. These men were separated by some 
little distance from each other, and were 
going in the direction of the King s City. 

Said Honest Good Heart, 4 'Are these 
men also going to the Holy City?" 

"They may think they are," Christian 
replied, "but no one can reach the King's 
City who walks not in the Narrow Way. 
Methinks the first is Gross Hypocrisy, from 
what I can tell by his looks and actions. See 
how confidently he walks along, evidently 

164 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



with the perfect assurance in his own mind 
of a safe journey. The second, I feel sure, 
is Double Dealer, and the last here is Two 
Faced. Many who live in the Valley of 
Human Life make no distinction between 
those who walk outside of the Narrow Way, 
and those who walk within it." 

Just then the Lion's roar was heard 
again, and the three men, — Gross Hypoc- 
risy, Double Dealer and Two Faced, — in- 
stantly stopped, evidently smitten with ter- 
ror. When Two Faced got over his fright 
a little, he turned and ran back to the Cross 
as fast as he could go. Double Dealer, turn- 
ing slowly, stealthily crept from bush to 
bush, and made for a Dark Forest near by, 
and was soon lost to view. Gross Hypoc- 
risy, when he recovered from the shock the 
Lion's roar had caused him, — being too old 
to run and not being acquainted with the 
Dark Forest, — realizing his sorry plight, 
could but go on, come what might. 

Presently the Devouring Lion came 

165 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



roaring out from behind the trees. Seeing 
Gross Hypocrisy, who was a little ahead of 
the two Pilgrims, he made for him, and 
felled him with one blow of his powerful 
paw. 

Just then the glint of light from Chris- 
tian's Armour attracted him, and he leaped 
toward Christian, who, bracing himself 
against the Wall of Faith, thrust his Sword 
deeply into the Lion's body. Now Christian 
was no mean foe to either man or beast, and 
the Lion sank down beside the wall, 
wounded and bleeding. 

Honest Good Heart, seeing the Lion ap- 
proach, crouched low behind the Wall of 
Faith, and though trembling, yet rejoiced in 
Christian's strength and courage as he 
fought the savage beast. 

"Hurry," said Christian, "we must be 
gone. He may suddenly recover, and, be- 
ing sorely wounded, will attack us again 
with all his fury." 

Then it was that the two Pilgrims saw 

166 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



in the distance beyond them the great and 
ancient Castle of Faith. And their hearts 
took courage; and they ran towards it, not 
even stopping to see what would become of 
Gross Hypocrisy, 

Now, the Castle of Faith loomed might- 
ily up before the men as they fled, and com- 
pletely filled their vision. Its walls were 
thick and firm and scarred. Its towers stood 
out against the sky. So they entered 
through the heavy doors into the Castle, not 
having been questioned by the guard, be- 
cause they were Knights of the Cross. And 
when they came to Lord Living Faith — the 
Lord of the Castle — he received them kindly. 
And as they sat at meat with him, he told 
them of the Castle's history, and said: 

"The Father of the Faithful, even Abra- 
ham, laid the foundation of this Castle in the 
days of old. Israel and his Sons worked 
upon the walls. Prophets, Priests and Kings 
all had their part in the building of it. But 
it was not builded without persecutions, 

169 P 



{ 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



hardships, clangers, deaths. And Armies, 
tired of trying to destroy it, finally desisted; 
and now peace reigns. In our days it is used 
for the King's Storehouse. Moreover, that 
worthy man — Good Works — has opened a 
School in it for the training of the Knights 
of the Cross, especially for those who have 
but lately begun the Journey.'* 

Christian and Honest Good Heart lis- 
tened eagerly to Lord Living Faith, and 
wondered at all they saw in the Castle. 
When he took them to the highest tower in 
the Castle, there they lifted up their eyes on 
all the Valley. And they rejoiced to see the 
Cross from there. 

"To me the Cross is the most beautiful 
thing in all the Valley!" Lord Living Faith 
said. 

"More beautiful than the King's City?" 
asked Christian. 

"Well, in this way," he replied; "I can 
always see the Cross! No fog or storm ever 

170 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



keeps it from my view, but the Glorious City 
is visible only rarely." 

And they all looked to see if the Holy 
City could be seen, but they saw merely a 
faint brightness. 

As they descended, Honest Good Heart 
said to the Lord of the Castle, "I do indeed 
desire to abide here in the King's Castle, yea, 
I should like to tarry here many days in the 
School of Good Works, of whom you told 
us, for there is about this journey much that 
I desire to know, and I have but lately 
begun." 

Then Lord Living Faith answered, "It 
will be a great joy to us to have you, and 
will please our Lord the King, and you shall 
not depart hence till you, like Christian, are 
fully equipped." 

So Honest Good Heart abode in the 
Castle; but Christian, desiring to hasten on, 
took his leave of the two men, and, saluting 
them with his shining Sword, departed and 
went his way. 

171 



1 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE VALLEY AND THE CITY 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER XL 
THE VALLEY AND THE CITY 

ND Christian, his mind filled 
with thoughts of the Castle 
of Faith, traveled along the 
unwalled Way of Liberty, — 
for such was the name of the 
Narrow Way from the Castle 
and onwards, — and he was filled with hope- 
fulness, and felt strong for the Journey. 

His Way now changed rapidly as he 
walked along. In the thickets and behind 
the trees he heard the voices of enemies, but 
they dared not attack him, for his name as 
a warrior against the King's enemies had 
spread abroad. Moreover, the thought of 
one vigorous thrust — such as he could give 
with his two-edged Sword — was not lightly 
to be put aside, so they stayed within cover. 
He passed amidst well-laden orchards of 
fruit, and then entered a place uncared for, 
waste and wild; — indeed, so many were the 




A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



things he passed, we cannot take time to 
tell of them here. 

Presently Christian saw a mighty stream 
running across his Way, and wondered why 
there was not a bridge across it. And as he 
thought of fording it, he felt faint. On 
coming nearer to the water he found it clear, 
but the stones over which it flowed were 
blackish, and dark pines were shading it. 
It looked cold and forbidding. "Must I, in- 
deed, cross this stream?" he asked himself. 
But there was no escape; no bridge or boat. 
He must cross it, if he was to continue on 
his Way. 

So eventually he came and stood before 
it. Then he thought of searching his Book 
of Truth for guidance, and found written 
there these words: "But let Justice roll down 
as waters, and Righteousness as a mighty 
stream." 

"Ah!" said he, "this is the Stream of 
Justice and Righteousness that flows from 

176 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



the Rock of Law; I knew not that it was my 
lot to cross it." 

So he began to wade in gently, and when 
he entered the water, his misdeeds began a 
procession through his mind; — and he ex- 
perienced regret, unpleasantness, bitterness 
and pain as he waded deeper and deeper. 
He seemed uncertain of his steps, and knew 
not where next to place his feet, but he must 
needs continue, and suffered as he did so. 
And all his past evil deeds, done before he 
began the Journey and afterwards, stam- 
peded through his mind. And once he cried 
out, "Save me, O God, for the waters are 
come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire 
where there is no standing; I am come into 
deep waters, where the floods overflow me." 

But his agony was not assuaged, nor was 
his heart comforted, till these words of Truth 
came into his mind, and he said aloud, "Fear 
not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called 
thee by thy name, thou art mine. When 
thou passest through the waters, I will be 

177 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



with thee; and through the rivers, they shall 
not overflow thee." So he emerged from 
the water, quivering and trembling. 

Presently Christian began to enter into 
the City of the World, and as he came to the 
more built-up parts of it he discovered, 
among other buildings, one of singular 
beauty and striking dignity. At first sight 
it had the semblance of an old Greek Tem- 
ple. It was built of white marble, had two 
rows of stately pillars with simple capitals, 
and stood at the top of many wide steps 
which led down to his Way. Before he 
reached it, however, he came to an Exhi- 
bition Gallery. And seeing that the King's 
Servants had charge of it, he entered at their 
invitation. 

Now, Do Good Unto All Men,— a 
worthy man and a noble, whose heart and 
life went out to those in need, — had charge 
of the Exhibition that was being held. He 
hoped by holding it to stir up the interest 
and sympathy of the Indifferent, to enlighten 

178 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Pilgrims, and by picture and image to pre- 
sent to all the needs of the Great World. 

So Christian passed through the ante- 
room, and in company with an attendant, 
whose name was Revealer, he passed into 
the Image Gallery. Then was he seized 
with great fear at the sight of the images. 
But Revealer said, "Be not afraid, good Pil- 
grim. There is nothing to fear." And as 
they walked their footsteps resounded in the 
stillness. 

Then Christian looked to one side and 
another, even upon the hideous forms 
carved out of wood and stone, and formed 
of iron, brass, silver and gold. And he would 
fain have got him out, but Revealer took 
hold of him by the arm, and said: 

"These idols and images and strange 
devices you now look upon are some of the 
very ones to which thousands in Heathen 
Lands bow down. And they worship these 
things which see not, nor hear, nor under- 
stand, with ceremonies that are strange and 

179 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



sometimes weird, and to them they breathe 
out fervent prayers." 

"Is it true?" asked Christian, "do they 
really worship such hideous things as 
these?" 

"It is sadly true," replied Revealer, "and 
the depths of degradation they sink to is un- 
utterable. You may read in your Book of 
Truth what worshiping dumb images did to 
the people in ancient days, and, after all, 
people change but little." 

"And what idols and images are here in 
this corner?" asked Christian. 

"Those," said Revealer, "are the idols 
that are now being cast aside by a great and 
populous Nation in the East. And the 
King's Servants — who are few in proportion 
to the great masses to be reached — are labor- 
ing hard to bring that nation to a Knowledge 
of the Truth, that our King may be their 
acknowledged King and Chief." And as 
they left the room, he said, "This Image 
Room has been made possible by the work 

180 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



of Foreign Missionary, who labors heroi- 
cally and unselfishly in distant lands." 

And they entered the next room. "Now 
this room is called the Room of the Peaceful 
Invaders," said Revealer. Upon the walls 
were many pictures of the Foreigners who 
were entering the Land of Promise. Some 
were shown in their own land, laboring hard 
to eke from the soil a scanty living. Chris- 
tian saw pictures of others being persecuted, 
ill-treated and oppressed; and there was none 
to deliver! And the pictures showed people 
of many different Nations and Tongues — 
all lifting their eyes to the Land that flows 
with Milk and Honey, where streams of 
water flow, and where fruitful fields and 
pleasant valleys and lofty mountains are not 
wanting. They looked to it for Liberty, that 
they might escape the bitter bondage of their 
Oppressors. There were pictures also which 
showed them on the high seas, and their suf- 
ferings and hardships in coming to the Land 
of their Hope. Their hard life in that Land 

181 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



was shown and how Drink fastened as a 
leech upon them there, and their lives in 
crowded tenements, where they sighed once 
and again for their Homeland. 

"These pictures speak for themselves,'* 
said Revealer; "no need for me to add to 
their eloquence." And Christian drank in 
all that he saw, and determination settled on 
his face. 

Now, we should like to tell further of the 
next rooms, where the people were shown 
who dwell apart, even where no Book of 
Truth is read, nor the sound of the Gladsome 
Message heard, and of other rooms, where 
were shown the needs of the Sick, the 
Afflicted, the Maimed, Halt, Lame and 
Blind; of the Poor, the Prisoner and the 
Unfortunate; but we must forbear. 

They returned to the entrance, where 
Christian was glad to meet Do Good Unto 
All Men, who had charge of the Exhibition; 
and he praised him for the good work that 
he did, and said: 

182 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



"I myself desire to help in this great 
work that you do. Silver and Gold have I 
none, but I will give you of the Oil of Prayer, 
if in any way that would help you." 

"Yes," said the good man, "we will 
gladly accept and use it to fill the Lamps of 
those who labor in the Dark Places, and to 
fill the Lanterns of those who journey on 
errands of mercy at night." So Christian 
gave him of the Oil he had. 

And Do Good Unto All Men said to him 
as he was about to depart, "I perceive that 
you are a Cheerful Giver, because you gave 
so liberally of your Oil. Take this Key, I 
pray you; it is the Key to the King's Supply 
Bridge, which shortly you will come to. 
Those who have not the Key await without 
its gates till the darkness settles down, and 
then climb over, but withal get themselves a 
bad reputation and find the stores on the 
Bridge closed. And, good Christian, should 
the King in the future be pleased to bless 
you with this world's Goods, remember, I 

183 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



pray you, the work I am striving to do for 
His glory. Farewell ! ' ' 

So Christian departed, and came and 
stood at the bottom of the steps, at the top 
of which stood the great white marble build- 
ing. And he saw written in letters of gold: 

"the king's bank of fortune" 

"I will go now and visit this great build- 
ing," he said, "seeing it belongs to the King, 
and return to take up my Pilgrimage." 

So he began to climb the marble steps, 
and labored hard to ascend them. Indeed, 
he thought not once nor twice of returning; 
but a passion seized him to reach the top, so 
he kept on. He caught up with another who 
climbed, and they talked together of how 
easy of ascent the steps appeared, but of how 
hard they really were. Then the man told 
Christian that they were called Power to 
Get Wealth. Being eager, Christian soon 
outstripped his fellow in the climbing, — at 
the cost of much vigorous breathing. And 

184 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



when he approached the top of the steps, he 
saw there between the pillars a man in uni- 
form. He was an aged man, and wore a 
long white beard. And Christian, approach- 
ing the man — for he felt drawn to him, — 
said: 

"Dear Sir, I perceive that you are one of 
the Servants of our King." 

"Yes," said the man, his face beaming, 
"I am the Ancient Titheman, Servant of the 
King Most High. I receive of every one, — 
whose heart makes him willing and whose 
spirit stirs him up, — Tithes of the Gifts and 
Blessings the King has bestowed upon him. 
Moreover," he said, "I stand here also to 
direct all those who thus come to the top of 
the steps to enter into the King's Bank; for 
to those who reach the top of these steps is 
there given the Gift of Riches. Enter in, O 
worthy Pilgrim, and inquire for the window 
of the Paying Teller, and there you will re- 
ceive it. 

Christian grew excited when he heard 

185 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



these words, and altogether forgot to thank 
the kindly man; but as he passed the stately- 
pillars of the Porch of the Bank, they filled 
him with awe and greatly quieted him. 
Passing before the great bronze door, he 
stopped to read these words above it: 

"time and chance happeneth unto us all" 

Then he entered into the spacious interior of 
the Bank, and the people therein took notice 
of him, and made remarks one to another. 
So he came to the window of the Paying 
Teller, where stood By Honest Means, who 
spoke to him after this manner, saying: 

"Good Christian, the King has blessed 
you to climb the broad steps to this His 
Bank, and it is my pleasure to give you — by 
His Decree — this gift, even Riches. In this 
Satchel of Responsibility have I placed it for 
you. I trust you will not find it burdensome. 
May it be the means of bringing you many 
a royal blessing, and may you prove your- 

186 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



self a worthy Steward of the King, whose is 
the Earth and the fulness thereof." 

Then Christian, hurriedly thanking the 
man, put the Bag on his shoulder and made 
for the door. And, indeed, so lightly did he 
go along that he felt as if he were floating 
through air, till he remembered Mr. Riches 
of This Life, who came so slowly to the 
Cross, and that dampened his enthusiasm a 
little. 

Coming out of the Bank, — behold! 
What a crowd of eager people was there 
awaiting him! Christian was amazed. So 
suddenly had they appeared that he won- 
dered if they had been hidden by the pillars. 
They pressed closely about him, smiling and 
expectant. 

"Do you not recognize me?" said High 
Minded, who was the first to speak, — "I 
knew you as a boy, but for many years I 
have neither seen nor heard anything of 
you." 

187 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



"Well," said Christian, trying to keep 
his feet, "I really, — just at this moment, — 
fail to place you, but — " 

Then Tempted in High Places tried to 
shake his hand, but missed doing so, for 
Evil Adventure, who was in the crowd, 
pushed him aside. 

"I seem to have many friends all of a 
sudden," said Christian, struggling hard to 
get his breath and keeping one eye on a sus- 
picious-looking character in the crowd, even 
Robbery, who was working his way towards 
his back. 

Demands of Society then tried to get 
near enough to have a word with him, but 
failed because Vain Flattery was filling his 
ears with idle words. Christian's bewilder- 
ment and excitement increased yet more 
when a Messenger handed him a large pack- 
age of Mail. Then he heard the voice of 
Lover of Ease calling: 

"Come with me, my good fellow; my 
carriage is in waiting. I can quickly get you 

188 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



from that troublesome crowd to a place 
where you can breathe freely and rest with- 
out fear of disturbance." 

But Christian called to him, "Sir I I must 
not tarry, my Journey is yet before me, I 
must needs hasten on." 

Some of the crowd melted away when 
Christian had spoken these words; but Ways 
of Spending Money, who was active and re- 
sourceful, tried to get him to his Palace of 
Dangerous Delights, which was hard by. 
Failing in this, he went away in a rage. See- 
ing that they could gain nothing by remain- 
ing, the crowd at last melted away, and 
Christian, opening his Mail, found Adver- 
tisements, Invitations and Requests, most of 
which had little or no interest for him. Then 
he muttered in a half-tired way, thinking of 
the crowd that had just vanished: 

"The King's Gift is a great magnet; in- 
deed the Rich have many Friends ! !" 

Approaching the aged, white-bearded 

189 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



man, Ancient Titheman, Christian said to 
him: 

"My dear Sir, I have received the King's 
Gift, even as you told me, and have escaped 
from that troublesome crowd you have just 
heard. Now it is in my heart to give you — 
for the glory of our King — the Tenth of all 
I have received, although the Psalmist said 
in the days of old, 'For all things come of 
Thee, and of thine own have we given 
Thee.' " So Christian counted out the gold, 
and his face became radiant with joy. 

And Ancient Titheman said, as he put 
the money in the chest that was by him, 
"Yes, that crowd quite frequently appears 
and disappears." Then, looking up, he said, 
"I perceive that you are a Cheerful Giver, 
and without doubt have a key to the King's 
Supply Bridge." 

"I have," said Christian. 

Then the aged man wrote out an Order 
for him and stamped it with the King's Seal, 
and said: 

190 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



"When you have entered the Bridge, 
give this to the Keeper of the King's Stores, 
whom you will find there, and receive from 
him that wherewith you may Serve our 
King. For the Tithe that you have given — 
and all others with it — are for the upkeep of 
the Bridge, and for the Supplies that are 
given to Pilgrims for Service." 

So Christian took the Order and placed 
it with the Key that he had. And he thanked 
the old man kindly, and they shook hands 
with one another, and Christian hurried 
down the steps and before long came to the 
Bridge. 

Eagerly opening the door with his Key, 
and finding the Keeper of the King's Sup- 
plies, Christian gave him the Order, and got 
of the man a Rope, a Bottle of Water, Food 
and Clothing. So he put these things into a 
bag, and hastened on, seeing the day was far 
spent, nor did he stop to examine the curious 
Bridge as he crossed it. 

191 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Christian's Way now led by a narrow 
street, where many houses were packed in 
together. And many people lived in each 
house. The air was impure in that place, 
and the water was scarce and bad; moreover, 
the people strove against many difficulties 
and hard circumstances, and their life was a 
burden. 

Hearing the groaning of one who was 
sick, Christian slackened his pace, and, 
climbing some rickety stairs, entered a 
barely furnished room. And the Sick Man 
raised his hollow eyes and asked: 

"What can you do for me, for what do 
you know of suffering?" 

"Indeed, I have with much tribulation 
climbed the High Hill of Suffering," an- 
swered Christian. 

"Oh!" said the man, "I am sorry I spoke 
so. How glad I am you have come to me!" 

So Christian comforted the man and 
spoke words of encouragement to him, and 
brought cheer and peace to the sick room, 

192 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



and told him of the King. Then the sick 
man's face filled with hope, and Christian 
said: 

" 'Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He 
will sustain thee,' " And he answered, "I 
will." And when he was given of the Oil of 
Prayer, the man fell asleep, and Christian 
departed. 

Passing by a Prison, Christian heard the 
sighing of a Prisoner, and some time after 
was able to come to the man in his cell. But 
he refused to talk, except to say: 

"You can't understand! How can those 
at liberty understand?' 

"Cannot one who has crossed the rolling 
Waters of Justice understand?" asked Chris- 
tian. And the prisoner looked up. 

"Have you passed through those wat- 
ers?" he asked. 

"I passed through them with much suf- 
fering," answered Christian. "Verily, I 
thought the end was nigh, so great were the 
fears and pains within my mind." 

193 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



And Christian told him of the King, who 
Himself had been a Prisoner, and who for 
our sins had suffered a criminal's death that 
He might preach Liberty to the Captives of 
Sin, and the opening of the Prison to them 
that are bound. Now, the Prisoner was 
helped by these words, and thoughts of eter- 
nal liberty began to grow up in his mind. 

Then as Christian went through the 
City, one hungry and thirsty approached 
and asked an alms. So he took down his 
Bag and gave him food, and water from his 
flask. And the man, praising the King and 
blessing Christian, went on his way. 

Then Christian passed a place where 
was a well. Hearing the voice of a man in 
it, he went and looked in. And the man, 
seeing him at the top of the well, called yet 
the more, "Help! Help! I perish in this 

e ■»» 

mire! 

And Christian called as he took down 
his Bag to get the rope out of it. "Hope! O 
Perishing One, in the name of the King." 

194 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Then he let down the rope into the well, 
and worked there not a little while getting 
the man out. He was dirty and naked, but 
Christian washed him, and clothed him, 
and when he had found the Wayfarer's 
Lodge, paid the Keeper that the man might 
lodge there that night. 

Now Christian had so much joy in using 
the things he had received at the King's 
Supply Bridge, that he turned back. Find- 
ing he could secure no more supplies — see- 
ing it was dark — he quickly crossed the 
Bridge and came to the Exhibition Gallery. 

Do Good Unto All Men rejoiced to see 
him again. Then Christian gave him of his 
Riches for the prospering of the King's 
work, and they were glad. 

And Christian said, "I have found it 

indeed more blessed to give than to re- 

• »• 
ceive. 

On returning, Christian closely observed 
the City of the World. There were the 
palaces of the Rich, the hovels and tenements 

195 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



of the Poor. There were boulevards wide 
and spacious, and narrow crowded streets, 
dirty and unattractive. And he passed 
through the streets of the City, and there 
were those that hindered him, but others 
who guided him through places of danger. 
Coming to the street of Excessive Business 
Activity, it was some time before he was 
able to cross it, and that not without nar- 
row escapes. So he abode in the City that 
night. And on the morrow — his heart filled 
with longing after his King — he rose up 
and departed out of the City and came to 
the River of God. 



196 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER XII. 

EMANUEL'S LAND AND THE 
KING'S CITY 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



CHAPTER XII. 



EMANUEL'S LAND AND THE 
KING'S CITY 

^25^HRISTIAN, leaving the City 



through the Valley of Human Life, bringing 



Far beyond he saw the Stream of Lov- 
ingkindness, which flowed at the bottom of 
a hill on whose top was builded the City 
Beautiful. And the City was the joy of all 
that country — even Emanuel's Land. And 
all the country was lovely to behold, and a 
place one might indeed desire to enter into. 
And Christian bowed his head, — for he felt 
as if he stood on Holy Ground, — enraptured 
with what he had just seen, and with 
thoughts of the Journey that lay before him. 




of the World some distance 
behind him, came to the 
River of God, and lifting up 
his eyes, he saw that it was 
full of water. It flowed 



life, and richness and blessing. 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



And as he was wondering how he was to 
cross the broad and crystal river, whose 
depth was unfathomable, he heard a rustle 
of oars, and looking up, he saw beside him 
a rowboat, fair to behold, manned by the 
Nine Eternal Helpers. And the boat was 
the Boat of the Spirit. 

And Christian feared before the Help- 
ers in the Boat, and bowed himself to the 
ground, but they all answered and said: 

"Fear not, worthy Pilgrim, who hast 
been much blessed to reach this River of 
God. We know whence thou comest, and 
whither thou art going. Rise up and enter 
the Boat, for are we not Children of the 
Presence, — that Presence who has been 
dwelling within thee from the day thou 
didst enter the Lodge of Spiritual Service 
onward? Fear not; enter into the Boat, and 
we will bring thee to Emanuel's Land, 
which is not far from the King's City." 

And Christian looked upon them and 
upon their raiment, and they seemed like 

200 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Holy Ones. And he perceived who they 
were, — indeed, Children of the Presence. 

And Love said, "Come, enter in, O 
Christian. Have I ever forsaken thee all the 
Journey until now? Am I not now here for 
thy help?" 

And Joy said, "Who made thy step 
light, and the ground swiftly to pass beneath 
thy feet, but I?" 

And Peace said, "O, Christian, dearly 
beloved, didst thou not feel the restfulness 
of my presence in the Lighthouse of Ref- 
uge, — in that night of terror? And many 
other times have I not been hovering over 
thee by the way?" 

And Longsuffering spake and said, 
"Blessed is the man who climbeth the High 
Hill of Suffering to the Cross. And dost thou 
not recognize me? I was with thee on that 
hill." 

And Kindness said, " From whom hast 

201 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



thou received the good of this Journey, but 
from those who bow to me?" 

And Goodness said, "Without me no 
Pilgrim can reach the City. I was thy close 
companion by the way." 

"And," said Faithfulness, "how it 
pained me when thou didst leave the Way. 
But many times my struggles with thee 
were not in vain." 

And Meekness said, "By whose help 
didst thou enter the Lodge of Spiritual 
Service, but by mine? Was I not beside 
thee when thine Armour was being put 
upon thee?" 

And Self-Control said, "Who stilled 
thine angry words along the Way, but I? 
Who quelled thy hot passions, and smoth- 
ered thine evil impulses? Was it not I?" 

And they all seemed to Christian as 
familiar friends and good companions, and 
his fear fled. And he said, "My thankfulness 
to you all — the King's Servants — is unutter- 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



able. It grieves me much that ofttimes I 
sinned against my King, and you." 

But they said, "Enter in." And Chris- 
tian did so. 

It is not in feeble language here to 
attempt to tell the pleasure he found in 
that Heavenly Company, or his delight in 
being ferried over. No oarsmen ever rowed 
with surer stroke, with oars that dropped 
with silver light; nor was ever boat found 
that made straighter for the goal. For the 
rowers rowed as one. And when Christian 
landed in Emanuel's Land, — that fair and 
glorious land, — and turned to bow his 
thanks, he looked up, and behold! he saw 
them not, yet their presence seemed still to 
be with him, as real as before. 

So Christian journeyed^ in Emanuel's 
Land. And the City Beautiful was on the 
top of the hill, at the side of the Valley. 
And as he went on, he drank in the fresh- 
ness and fragrance of the air of that place. 
And he walked along lightly. The fields 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



were aglow with many flowers; and the fat 
cattle waded in the luxuriant green, and 
drank of the stream. The orchards were 
laden with luscious fruit, and the boughs 
bended under the weight of them. In the 
deep woods he passed were all manner of 
trees, and their shade rested him; and song 
birds lodged in the branches, and made the 
forest alive with their sweet songs. And 
all the birds seemed to rejoice in their power 
to sing. So evening approached swiftly on 
that memorable day for Christian, and he 
saw that there was pleasantness also in the 
King's Way, and that it was not all trial, 
battling and difficulty. 

And Christian lifted up his eyes and 
saw the City Beautiful, in the evening sun- 
light glorified. It was not a large city, nor 
walled, for being in that place it had no 
need of walls. Its church spires shined, its 
palaces gleamed aloft, and the green of the 
gardens and trees formed a background for 
the homes of those who dwelt therein, — for 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



it was a City of Homes, and of Happy Chil- 
dren. And Christian was glad that this 
City in which nearly all who lived were the 
King's Servants, could be so attractive. 

So Christian arrived at the City. And 
one, Good Humor, who made many happy, 
and who did much to banish care, and to 
cheer those who were weary, and whose 
laughter was known all over that City, met 
Christian, and pleased him much. More- 
over, he brought him to Mr. Good Family, 
who, seeing darkness had settled down upon 
him, asked him in to lodge that night. 

Then Christian partook of the King's 
Food and Drink there with him, and 
anointed his Shield of Faith and Sword of 
the Spirit, and filled his Lantern with the 
Oil of Prayer, — for the King's Equipment 
was for Glory and Beauty, as well as for 
guidance and protection by the way. Now 
Mr. Good Family had many children, who 
filled the house with joy; and they were 
taught the words and meanings of the Book 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



of Truth. We cannot here linger over their 
names, or describe all the things they did 
and the games they played, or tell of how 
they obeyed their parents. But they were 
delighted with Christian's company, won- 
dered at his Armour, Sword, Shield and 
Lantern, and were overjoyed with the tales 
of his adventures that he told them. On the 
morrow Christian rose up, and after he was 
refreshed, having met one, Guide of the 
Blessed, he went with him to see the City. 

So Christian saw and learned much of 
the City Beautiful that day in company 
with Guide of the Blessed. It was supplied 
with water from the Stream of Lovingkind- 
ness, which was abundant and pure. 

All the Poor that dwelt there were in a 
happy state, for the Rich were Stewards of 
the King, and distributed of their Blessings 
to those who had need. Moreover, the 
Aged, Infirm, and Sick were taken care of. 
In the streets were fountains where the 
horses could drink. There were gardens 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



and parks where the people and their chil- 
dren played games, — games of Skill in 
which Chance counted little, and wherein 
false fascination could not be found. And 
Christian heard men singers and women 
singers, and their voices seemed heavenly to 
him, and they appealed to all that was high- 
est and noblest in his nature. And Art was 
there, which had passed the Jury, two of 
whose members were Purity and Beauty. 
We would that we had more time to tell 
of it. 

The two men went to a high place in the 
City, and lifted up their eyes on the well 
cultivated fields and farms. Cattle studded 
the emerald pastures, and flocks of sheep 
seemed like carpets spread down. And the 
sweet-scented air made them feel that it 
was good to be alive. And they partook of 
the King's Meat and Drink, for the sun's 
rays had already begun to slant slightly; and 
Christian said: 

"I perceive that in this City there is 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



satisfaction for every Normal Appetite and 
Desire the King has placed within us." 

"Yes," said Guide of the Blessed, "in all 
the cities of this Valley, no one can find 
such satisfaction as is found here; yet the 
City is small, for many will not come to it." 

"True!" said Christian. "Why they do 
not is a mystery. I wonder within myself 
though, whether my satisfaction was not 
more complete, and my joy more full, when 
I was distributing of the King's Gift of 
Riches by the way," 

"Seeking the good of others in Service 
is truly much better even than seeking the 
Pleasure which the King has provided," 
said Guide of the Blessed. "There are 
many kinds of People in this Valley of 
Human Life, and within certain limits the 
King has made ample provision for all." 

Then said Christian, "Is there not one 
in the City who will take charge of what I 
have left of the King's Gift to me?" 

"Verily there is," said Guide of the 

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A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Blessed. "His name is Faithful Distributer. 
He will disperse of it wisely. I will go and 
seek for him." So he found Faithful Dis- 
tributer and brought him to Christian. 

"I go hence shortly," said Christian, "to 
the King's City. I shall have no further need 
for this, — the King's Gift to me; — take it, I 
pray thee, and distribute of it wisely for the 
good of this City, and those that dwell 
therein." 

And the man was glad, and Christian 
felt the echo of that gladness. 

Yet Christian felt a longing in his heart 
even in the City Beautiful, so he set his face 
in the direction of the King's City, and he 
perceived a soft glowing light. And he rose 
up from his Guide, and they blessed one 
another there, and Christian departed out 
of the City, 

Hard by the City Beautiful Christian 
found his Way led him through an Old 
Forest. And the shadows lengthened. And 
he saw that many of the trees were gnarled 

211 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



and twisted and old, and that the bark on 
them was deep and aged. Only here and 
there was there a green one. And he found 
his feet growing heavy, — though his heart 
was light, — and his steps moved more 
slowly. His eyes were growing dim, and 
the Forest seemed to get darker and darker. 
When evening came, he sat down and was 
refreshed; but he feared to tarry, and 
moved slowly along, and his Lantern 
lighted the Pathway, so that he fell not nor 
lost his way in the woods. And he became 
weary, and realized that he was alone, but 
as the deep darkness settled down, his Path 
whereon he trod began to get light, and 
grew lighter. So the midnight came, and 
that New and Holy Day was approaching. 

"I have been a Stranger and a Pil- 
grim on this long Journey," said Christian, 
"but soon I shall finish my Pilgrimage and 
dwell with the King whom my heart yearns 
after. Doubtless He has a Mansion all pre- 
pared for me, for I learned from my Book 

212 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



of Truth that there were many Mansions in 
His Father's House/' 

As Christian's Path began to shine more 
and more unto the Perfect Day, he dis- 
cerned that it was the King's Highway, even 
the Way of Holiness, and that the Re- 
deemed were walking in it toward the City, 
— even the City of Gold, high and lifted up, 
whose walls appeared like jeweled light, 
glowing radiantly. And it was the City with 
Eternal Foundations, — even the New Jerusa- 
lem on the Mount of Zion,— whose wide- 
open gates were made of Pearl. And the 
Ransomed of Jehovah were coming with 
singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy was 
upon their heads. They were full of glad- 
ness and joy, and sorrow and sighing fled 
from them. 

And Christian joined them, but amidst 
all their praises, he heard the voices of some 
near unto the Way, — without the City 
Wall, — crying to the rocks, "Fall on us!" — 

213 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



and to the hills, "Cover us!" And he won- 
dered at it. 

Then a cloud seemed to separate Chris- 
tian from the singing company, and he saw 
dark figures approaching him. As they 
approached he saw that they were the Fears 
of Death, and grasping his Sword, he thrust 
at them this way and that; and they fled 
from him. Then the cloud seemed to be- 
come thin again, and he saw and heard the 
Ransomed of Jehovah — even the King's Re- 
deemed — singing. But again the cloud 
closed him in. 

Then he saw approaching one of set 
countenance, whom he thought he had seen 
before. It was the Dark Angel who 
wrestled mightily with Christian. And 
Christian said as he struggled: 

"I have fought the good fight, I have fin- 
ished the course, I have kept THE FAITH." 
So the Dark Angel wrestled with him till 
they came beneath the Gate; and as he 
wrestled, Christian's Armour fell from him, 

214 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



and his Earthly House of this Tabernacle 
was dissolved. And Christian, the Spiritual, 
rose out of it, — for as his Earthly Taber- 
nacle was sown in weakness, a Natural 
Body, it was raised in Power, a Spiritual 
Body, and the Dark Angel could not prevail 
against it. 

And when those who kept the Gate of 
Pearl saw that the Dark Angel had no 
power over Christian, except to release his 
Eternal Self from his Earthly Tabernacle, 
they looked in his forehead and saw there 
the King's Seal. And as they were escort- 
ing him to the King, Christian saw the 
Street of Gold like transparent glass, and 
the River of Water of Life — clear as crystal 
— flowing in the midst of it, and the Tree of 
Life, the leaves of which were for the heal- 
ing of the Nations. 

And the City was a place of Many 
Mansions, and the Glory of God did lighten 
it; no light of lamp or sun was needed 
there. And Christian said. "This is, indeed, 

215 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



the City God hath prepared for them that 
love Him." 

And he came to the Innumerable Hosts 
of Angels; and their praises filled the air, 
and the City rang again with the voice of 
their Song and the Music of their instru- 
ments; for there were ten thousand times 
ten thousand — even thousands of thou- 
sands! And they praised the King with 
gladsome voice. And Christian said, 

"These are the Legions of Angels the 
King could have called to help Him while 
yet on Earth, but he forbear, that He might 
save me from my sins." 

Then he came to the General Assembly 
and Church of the Firstborn that are en- 
rolled in Heaven, and to those who had 
come out of Great Tribulation, — that had 
washed their Robes and made them White 
in the Blood of the Lamb. And they are 
before the Throne of God; and they serve 
Him day and night in His Temple; and He 
that sitteth on the Throne shall spread His 

216 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



Tabernacle over them. They shall hunger 
no more, neither thirst any more; neither 
shall the sun strike upon them, nor any 
heat: for the Lamb that is in the midst of the 
Throne shall be their Shepherd, and shall 
guide them unto Fountains of Waters of 
Life: and God shall wipe away every tear 
from their eyes. 

And they that were in that Host were 
beyond number, they were out of every 
Nation, and of all Peoples and Tribes and 
Tongues! And they were arrayed in White 
Robes, having Palms in their hands, and 
they cried with a Great Voice, saying: 

"salvation unto our god, who sitteth 
on the throne, and unto the lamb!" 

And some of Christian's Loved Ones 
and Friends that had gone before were 
among that Great Host that are before 
the Throne. And Christian fell on his face 
before the Great Throne and Him that sat 

217 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



in the midst of it. And the Four and Twenty 
Elders were around Him. 

They were arrayed in White Robes and 
were crowned with Crowns of Gold, and 
they had in their hands Harps, and Golden 
Bowls full of incense — which are the 
prayers of the Saints. 

And Christian heard the Voice of the 
Living Creatures, which cry day and night, 
Praising the King. 

And Christian's sins came vividly to 
mind there before the Throne. But we 
have not a High Priest that cannot be 
touched with the feeling of our infirmities; 
but One that hath been in all points tempted 
like as we are, yet without sin; and to Him 
we can draw near with boldness unto the 
Throne of Grace; that we may receive 
Mercy, and may find Grace to help us in 
time of need. 

And they that ministered there before 
the Throne clothed Christian in White, and 
they brought a Crown of Righteousness and 

218 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



put it on his head — for such the Lord, the 
Righteous Judge gave unto all those that 
loved His appearing. And because he had 
been Faithful unto the end, and had over- 
come, — the King did not blot his name out 
of the Book of Life, but Confessed his Name 
before His Father, and before His Angels. 

And Christian remembered the words 
of the King, even Jesus, when He was on 
Earth, saying, "Every one that confesseth 
me before men, him will I also confess be- 
fore My Father and before His Angels." 
Now Christian from that moment felt him- 
self a Citizen of the King's City. 

And he was among those on the right 
hand of the King. And the King answered 
and said unto them on His right hand: 

"Come, ye Blessed of My Father, inherit 
the Kingdom prepared for you from the 
foundation of the World; for I was hungry 
and ye gave Me to eat; I was thirsty and ye 
gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and ye 
took Me in; naked, and ye clothed Me; I 

219 



A KNIGHT OF THE CROSS 



was sick, and ye visited Me; I was in prison, 
and ye came unto Me." 

But the Righteous answered Him say- 
ing, "Lord, when saw we Thee hungry, 
and fed Thee? or athirst, and gave Thee 
drink? And when saw we Thee a stranger, 
and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed 
Thee? And when saw we Thee sick, or in 
prison, and came unto Thee?" 

And the King answered and said unto 
them, "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as 
ye did it unto one of the least of these My 
Brethren, ye did it unto Me!" 

Now the King's Servants lifted Chris- 
tian up from the sea of glass like unto 
crystal, that was before the Throne, — for 
the King's Name was in his forehead, — that 
he might see the Face of the King. Now the 
King was altogether lovely, the Fairest of 
the innumerable Hosts of Heaven, and 
Christian beheld his Face in Righteousness, 
and he was Satisfied with Beholding the 
Form of His King! 

220 



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